It's too bad that Patrick Kennedy didn't just shoot a lawyer in the face.

[robertpaulsen]

Because if he had, I don't think MSM would be so obsessed with the possibility that "preferential treatment" might have occurred at the time of the accident. If he had only shot a lawyer in the face, we wouldn't hear any discussion on TV about the possibility that he might have been drunk at the time of the accident. No discussion of how suspicious that no blood test was taken at the time of the accident.

No, if he had only blasted his hunting buddy's face off, we would have more time to spend on Patrick Fitzgerald meeting with Judge Walton on the Plame case. We might see top of the hour coverage on Porter Goss' resignation and the suspicious timing of it in connection with the intelligence link to the Watergate hooker scandal. Because it's not as if MSM would dare employ a double standard. Right?

:sarcasm::sarcasm::sarcasm::sarcasm::sarcasm::sarcasm::sarcasm::sarcasm:

[ixion]

1. nice rant

indeed... :evilgrin:

Irony is a wonderful thing.

[LeftNYC]

2. True...more time spent on Kennedy in the last hour

than dissecting the reasons we went to war in Iraq when that went down. Or, on the same level, the whole Cheney shooting incident and possible alcohol connection.

[AuntiBush]

56. Our Wonderful MSM

has been on this all day long. Gotta admire them for staying on the TOP stories. Oh, the integrity.

:sarcasm:

[izzie]

3. If it is a DWI it shows how much power Dem. have.

They can not even get out of being in trouble,

[GrumpyGreg]

4. Patrick has a very long history of these jackpots. That's why the

press is all over it.

[adigal]

54. Gee, the press was not all over the fact

that Cheney did not have to take any kind of blood alcohol level test. And the media was not even discussing that - we were, but the media was not.

[Fridays Child]

5. Or invade a country for personal gain.

That also would have gotten him put on "ignore" by the media.

Wait a minute...oh, nevermind. That only works for Republicans. My mistake. :eyes:

[glarius]

CNN just had one of their "consultants" on saying Kennedy got special

treatment. This guy (don't remember his name) I've seen on many times before, never mentioned the fact that Cheney never even allowed the police to question him till the next day!...What bullshit!

[Octafish]

6. Spot on, robertpaulsen.

The Kennedy family has done more for America than the Bushes ever will.

That's why they're attacked 24/7 whenever given the opportunity.

[robertpaulsen]

25. Attacked, smeared and, when all else fails, killed.

Sometimes I wish RFK Jr. would run for office. But then I remember history and think, no, I'd like to see him stay alive.

[Octafish]

46. He'd make a great Secretary of the Interior...

...and an even better Attorney General.

Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. also be one of the greatest to ever serve as President of the United States.

[jwirr]

49. Yes, the younger generations are still doing much for their

country but I would rather see them alive than running for office. I always felt that way about Ted running for president too.

[dogday]

7. But the barrier he bumped into is mad

at him... He made a little dent..... :evilgrin:

[H2O Man]

8. Well said.

Thank you for saying it.

[incapsulated]

9. Bingo.

:thumbsup:

[Justitia]

10. & we wouldn't even know he shot somebody until next week. -eom

[deadparrot]

11. *dons flamesuit* To be fair, Cheney's story got a lot of play.

Kennedy's had family issues from the beginning. That doesn't absolve him, though. He's sick and needs help. I applaud him for speaking out and getting the treatment he needs.

[NightOwwl]

13. Yes...but any mention of preferential treatment...

because of possible alcohol use was immediately hush-hushed.

With Kennedy, it's the focus of the entire story.

[deadparrot]

14. Does it matter?

Just because they scrubbed the Cheney-drinking thing, does that mean they shouldn't ask the same thing of Kennedy?

If you're drunk, you're drunk, and that's what should be reported. I don't care it you're the most liberal Democrat or the most conservative Republican. Now, it doesn't sound like alcohol was the problem, but now that the rehab thing has come up, I think the "drunk" question will fade away.

Just because Cheney got off doesn't mean that it's okay that Kennedy escapes questioning. Two wrongs don't make a right.

And I know I'm going to get flamed for this. I just don't like double standards.

[Missy M]

15. Perhaps the officers on the scene knew it wasn't alcohol....

related. Kennedy didn't shoot someone in the face, he had a fender bender. The reporting made it sound as if Kennedy was in some horrible car crash instead of a fender bender. I know with fender benders many don't even get reported, whether you are a Kennedy or not. He was also issued three citations. I hardly think that is preferential treatment. Patrick Kennedy came out and said he is going to rehab for addictions, so that should be the end of the story.

[deadparrot]

19. I agree.

But what if it hadn't been a fender bender? It now sounds like Kennedy was under the influence of prescription drugs, not alcohol, and was probably not operating consciously.

But if he had made the decision to drink and drive, and god forbid killed someone, there would be no end to my anger. It's the police's job to look out for drivers acting suspiciously. That's part of the job description. I'd be more worried if they let him go while he was under the influence of the Ambien.

[Missy M]

20. They drove him home, which was good.

[deadparrot]

24. Yep.

I agree with you on that. I wouldn't want someone under the influence of Ambien to be on the roads.

[helderheid]

23. Right. So why didn't they do the job with Cheney?

[deadparrot]

28. Because it's a corporate-owned and operated media.

Why don't some of you actually read my responses before freaking out?

Our elected representatives--all of them, no matter what party affiliation--deserve scrutiny.

Cheney and the Bush cabal control the media. I don't doubt that--it's one of the reasons why the Cheney drinking story was scrubbed.

But just because Cheney got away with it, does that make it okay that Kennedy doesn't? I think I've asked that question in three or four threads now, and someone has yet to answer me. If a public official puts lives in danger while (possibly) under the influence, I want to know about it. I don't give a shit what party he/she is.

The MSM failed to pursue the Cheney drinking story. It was wrong. Wrong, wrong, wrong. And, once more for good measure: wrong. Does that mean that, if a Democrat gets caught operating under the influence, they should get away with it simply because their Republican counterpart did?

Two. wrongs. don't. make. a. right.

[helderheid]

30. You and I agree - you just don't seem to get that no one is saying

Kennedy deserves a pass! At least no one here that I've read!

[deadparrot]

33. ...

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=show_topic&forum=364&topic_id=1110114

[helderheid]

35. that isn't this thread! That isn't what this thread is about.

[deadparrot]

42. *sigh*

I don't know what you mean by that.

But if you're being willfully blind to the myriad of variances on "It's only a scratch" that are currently dominating GD, then this conversation will go nowhere. :shrug:

[helderheid]

43. I don't get what your argument has to do with the OP. The OP

never said give Kennedy a pass. I'm trying to understand why you think this thread has anything to do with that. This thread is about exactly what you said later - that the media is hypocritical - but no one on this thread that I've seen (and admittedly I haven't read every response, but your first response was post 11 to the OP) has said, please give Kennedy a pass.

[AuntiBush]

57. And he did so with so much INTEGRITY.

No lies or going around the bush (pardon that pun, none intended)!

Rather, Kennedy stood before all the cameras and said it like it was. No wimpy tears, nada, stating voters come first. Took the blame like a MAN, a STATESMAN at that.

[Imagevision]

16. Cheney refused to be interviewed by local cops for 24 hours for

sobering up period.

[deadparrot]

17. So?

That was wrong; it should have been shouted from the rooftops. Cheney's a dick, literally and figuratively. No suprise there.

But just because Cheney got a pass, does that mean we shouldn't ask the same questions of Kennedy? Just because he's a Democrat doesn't give him a pass in my book. My taxes pay their salaries; I'd like to know what's going on with our elected representatives.

Like I said, two wrongs don't make a right.

[helderheid]

26. NOBODY IS SAYING GIVE KENNEDY A PASS. We're saying WHY DID

CHENEY GET ONE? It's about the hypocrisy.

[deadparrot]

32. I KNOW.

If you would actually, you know, READ my posts, you might figure that out.

And if you *honestly* can't figure out why Cheney got a pass and Kennedy didn't, then you're just not schooled in the science of corporate media ownership.

It is hypocritical. BUT THIS? THE WAY KENNEDY IS BEING PURSUED? IS WHAT A FREE, INVESTIGATIVE PRESS *SHOULD* BE DOING. If there was a possibility that Kennedy was drinking, I want to know about it. Just like I'd want to know the same thing about Cheney.

Cheney got a pass. That isn't fair. If that's where your beef is with me, I'm so incredibly far past that point it's not even funny.

[robertpaulsen]

18. The double standard by MSM is precisely the point I tried to address.

Yes, there was a lot of media attention when they learned that OVP alerted the media that he had shot a lawyer in the face the day after the incident occured. But it seemed to me the outrage of MSM was that they didn't get the scoop, it went to some little known Texas paper. It was more about professional jealousy than it was concern about a cover-up.

I'm proud of Kennedy for admitting his problem in the wake of this media frenzy over how suspicious his accident was. But let's be honest about double standards, deadparrot. MSM set the standard when a quote about Cheney having "a drink or two" before the accident appeared in print and was subsequently scrubbed! Remember that? It wasn't until Cheney admitted it to it on FAUX News that the offending phrase was reinserted. When you say "two wrongs don't make a right" you make it sound as though the mistake MSM made regarding Cheney was innocent. Hardly.

[deadparrot]

22. Yes.

There's a double standard. I don't think I disputed that.

The point I'm trying to make is that they should have investigated Cheney as hard as they're investigating Kennedy. Believe it or not, the MSM is actually responding in a responsible fashion here...if only they would react this way when Republicans do the same. An elected representative of the people has a serious drug problem, and--whether consciously or unconsciously--he put lives in danger. The behavior of both Cheney and Kennedy *should* be given a long, hard look. They're public representatives, and we pay their salaries.

Relatively speaking, Cheney did not get the heat Kennedy is getting. That's a failure on the part of the MSM. But they should be examining the actions of those in power regardless of party affiliation. Just because they erred in giving Cheney a pass, though, doesn't make it okay to give Kennedy one.

[robertpaulsen]

36. You and I both know that's not going to happen.

MSM didn't just fail to investigate Cheney's accident, they were complicit in trying to cover it up! That's why I made the sarcastic comparison. The very idea that MSM would have investigated "preferential treatment" of Cheney after censuring their own reports is ludicrous.

I understand what you're trying to say about the way things should be with regard to these accidents. But I believe what MSM is doing to Kennedy only has the appearance of responsible journalism. I know that it isn't because the standard MSM has for the reich-wing is completely different. That doesn't excuse Kennedy's actions. But it sure makes me cynical about the MSM motives for highlighting this at the expense of more important stories in the news today.

[deadparrot]

40. I don't think I ever said

I expected them to cover Democrats versus Republicans normally. If I did, please alert me, because it was said in error. I think the only phrase I used was that "This is what they *SHOULD* be doing."

I don't know what you mean by complicit. I don't think most of the MSM are Cheney fanboys and fangirls. In general, I don't think they're charmed by him, or find him likeable or buddy-buddy. I think they're being threatened and blackmailed by the corporate entities at the top. And they're pussies and mediawhores, so they're going to sit back and take it. That might be where you and I differ.

If they covered Cheney as hard as they covered Kennedy, we would live in a much different world. Like it or not, though, a Kennedy in a car crash will ALWAYS make headlines. To ask silly rhetorical questions like "Why didn't Cheney get the same treatment?" is hopelessly naive and does no good. It just makes us look stupid. Why didn't Cheney get the same treatment? Because he owns the damn media, that's why. Fight that. Don't stay stuck on the Kennedy thing.

[ComerPerro]

12. I'm a heavy sleeper. So, I need someone to shoot me in the face

[helderheid]

21. GREAT LTTE that would make! Recommended!!

[leftchick]

27. thank you thank you

thank you.

M$M MFers.

[ixion]

29. kick

:kick:

[leftstreet]

31. Crashcart threw Dubai Ports World under the MSM bus

And it seemed that even the bloggers fell for it.

That DPW buyout had been in the newspaper financial sections for a few months. But within a few days of Cheney blowing his buddy's face off, everyone dropped the Swiss Miss Investigation and started squawking over a business deal that would normally have never become news.

I'd still like to know if everyone at The Shooting Party has really been accounted for.

[RedSpartan]

34. This will pass...

But Hookergate has legs. No pun intended.

[cassiepriam]

37. A Dem sneezes, it is big time news. Repugs rob, murder, torture

innocents and it is yawn time in the media.

[Name removed]

38. Deleted message

Message removed by moderator. Click here to review the message board rules.

[Debi]

44. STFU

There's no room for that crap here.

[jwirr]

50. Hope you enjoy your short stay!

[Name removed]

65. Deleted message

Message removed by moderator. Click here to review the message board rules.

[liberal N proud]

39. The sick librul media is obsessed with anything the Kennedy's do wrong

but the cabal and friends violate the Constitution and break every other law and they don't even mention it.

It is time the media be taken down in the nation. I don't know what more I can do, I write letters, stopped watching televised news and don't subscribe to any newspaper. 90% of the news I get these days comes from blogs, forums and off shore news agencies such as BBC. What more can be done to bring the media back into line?

[RedG1]

41. well said! ...so much for the "myth"

of 'Liberal' media...

CIA Director Goss after 18 months abruptly jumps from the sinking Bushtanic...
Rumsfeld v. the Generals is on the front burner...
3 MORE US Soldiers die in Iraq today...
US Senate approves a $109 billion emergency-spending measure for Iraq and Afghanistan...
Cunningham's Hookergate...
Valerie Plame scandal...

ALL pushed aside for a rehab treatment story of a Kennedy...

sickening how the "Non-Liberia" Media plays out...

any shit they can throw for a diversion

[DrZeeLit]

45. Again, the Liberal Media. Kennedy can do no wrong, yet Cheney....OOOPS...

I guess they gotta re-think that one, huh?
Mmmm.

Neither story is/was "news."
But that's what passes for "news" these days.
Sad all the way around.

(but the Cheney shooting incident was at least sorta funny, doncha think?)

[jwirr]

47. It's not as if *ss and his idiot wife were never given preferential

treatment. Cocaine? Alcoholism? Drunk Driving? Running over someone with her car? They even expunged the records in Texas.

[Punkingal]

48. And no one on CNN said a word about courage....

The courage to stand up and admit to a problem, and the good it will do many others than someone famous has just done something so hard. He saved some lives today, no doubt about it. Someone, somewhere, will be inspired to try and deal with a similar problem, because of Patrick Kennedy's admission. I admire him for facing it. His life can't have been easy, with the problems his mother and father had.

And I love your post.

[Patsy Stone]

51. If it had been his maid who bought the drugs for him

or if he had been convicted of doctor shopping, that too would have made it go away. Poor guy didn't follow the rules.

[Erika]

52. Michael Savage compared Patrick to OBL today!!!!

It was so laughable. These right wing kooks are showing their true colors.

[Sarah Ibarruri]

53. If MSM were any deeper up Bush's butt..... nt

[AuntiBush]

55. Let me Add to your Frustration

:sarcasm::sarcasm::sarcasm::sarcasm::sarcasm::sarcasm::sarcasm::sarcasm:

And a few :banghead::banghead::banghead::banghead:

[6000eliot]

58. Always the double standard.

What about Bush's and Cheney's DUIs? Where was the media when they were arrested?

[Chico Man]

59. Or get caught doctor shopping

[DemoTex]

60. POW!

[longship]

61. Mike Malloy opens his show with this Journal entry.

On Friday's show, the first substantive thing out of Mike Malloy's mouth was him reading this journal entry.

Way to go, Robert.
:bounce: :woohoo: :bounce:

[jillan]

63. Yeah Robert - he was singing your praises...

Hope you heard it.

You are a celebrity for the nite!

[robertpaulsen]

72. No kidding! I'm sorry I missed it.

Wow, that makes my day. Thanks for letting me know!

[KoKo]

62. I know the Media bashing is disgusting. Thanks for the post on this...

It's discouraging for many of us seeing him worked over because he's a Kennedy. He didn't shoot someone on the face and he didn't injure anyone. He checked himself in for rehab...his Rhode Island constituents love him and it's an unfortunate thing...but given what Dems are going through it's amazing most of us haven't lost our minds. I'm sure given all the attention his family has had and the tragedies in can't be easy for him. I'm glad to hear he's being responsible and checking himself in for help.

Unlike that Crime Boss Cheney who got himself off once again after drinking and shooting a hunting party acquaintance. If Cheney didn't have an entourage and drivers he might have had to revisit his own driving while under the influence episodes once again. And, who the hell knows what else has been covered up with this whole administration who have it seems...very dark pasts which they've mangaged to get around.

[NeoLib 42]

64. Sex sells. Now that I have your attention...

I guess with all the media coverage the Republicans are getting, it's time to focus on a Democrat. You know, so they can appear "Fair and Balanced". (I hope Faux News doesn't try to sue me now.)

The fact is, the Kennedy's' mishaps and misfortunes are sexy...as far as media whoredom goes. They see the story as a nice change from the drudgery of Britteny and Kevin's "alternative" parenting skills or Tom and Katie's recipe for placenta paté. It's disgusting what passes for news these days.

The Republicans are especially good at latching on to trivial stories to use against the Democrats but God forbid anyone remind them of the faux pas made by some of their own. Yes, Cheney's cowboy facial treatment methods did get a lot of media attention but it's amazing how the details were whitewashed and swept under the carpet.

No doubt Mr. Kennedy will be bashed over the head with this. I can see the smears now. And Heaven help anyone who discusses the shrub's DUI and former cocaine habit. The fact is several politicians have driven while under the influence of something. Some just get caught. I don't believe it should disqualify someone from public office.

Mr. Kennedy admitted to being under the influence of prescription drugs and, as such, he should face whatever punishment would be levied on any other citizen.

Cheney shot a man in the face and chest. That man almost died. It was a hunting accident and it should have been a blurb for the most part. But then the question about sobriety came up. The media was very good about keeping that tidbit quiet, or at least spun. Cheney did admit to having "a beer". Normally, that would fall within the range of legal blood alcohol content, but Cheney has a pace maker and takes heart medication. We've all seen the pill warning: "Use of alcohol with this product may intensify the effect." Is that a warning or a suggestion? Unfortunately, we'll never know how he was effected.

Personally, I don't care about Cheney's bad shot or Mr. Kennedy's bad driving. However, if they did receive any special treatment then I do want to know. Mishaps in their personal lives is none of my business. Using political clout to get special treatment for those mishaps is everyones business.

I like the Kennedy's (especially Bobby, Jr.) but they sure have had their share of bad luck.

Take care fellow DU'ers,

NeoLib (a.k.a. Sean)

[brokenwing19]

66. So my message was deleted...

So if someone does not support the Kennedy clan their message gets deleted. There is more to being a good Democrat than sucking up to boozing gunrunners. Poor Kenedy's...all they do is murder and rape young women and get away with it. Get a life folks... there is no Camelot.

[pearl]

67. You're failing to get the point

And any body's particular loyalty or fondness for the Kennedy's is absolutely Not the point. The over the top media and rage at their craven ignoring of the really important issues is the point.

[brokenwing19]

68. who is missing the point

I am sure it is not me. The media is looking for the latest scandal and this fell in their laps. My point was not to ignore the mayhem in Iraq, it was meerly to point out to all the Kennedy lovers that this moron drove drunk, almost crashed into the police, was given a free pass, lied about the incident and now has the gaul to say the is the victim of drug dependency. FOR THE LOVE OF GOD, he is what, 40+ years old. He should have his act together by now and if not, he certainly should not be a representative in government. If his last name was Smith, he would be on his way out of office...

[Toucano]

69. Good point.

Thank you!

[JWS]

70. Ain't that the truth

[smartvoter]

71. You HAVE to send this as an LTTE. nt