Originally Posted by Back Atcha

I'm with ya on that one. Folks get so caught up in the media and political personas of the famous that they often forget that there are human as well. No different than you or I.

I don't know him personally, but I've had a chance to become good friends with some in his family. I can tell you that he has payed a dear price for that night. It was a mistake that has haunted him through most of his life, one that has anguished him immensely. He is not the unfeeling bastard that these posters make him out to be. They just enjoy an easy target.

Trust me, he has been paying for this crime for a long time, and will when he's gone and he knows it. Try putting yourself in his position, knowing that the end is near and that you will be called on to answer for your sins...

Further, I'm willing to bet that everyone on this forum knows someone who has been in an alcohol related accident that resulted in injury or death. It's hard to get past, but... sometimes, good people make bad judgements that hurt other good people. The fact that he persevered and went on to become a respected (in some circles) member of our government says much about his character, and the willingness of others to vilify someone who they don't know, over an incident that has been twisted and obscured by time and are quite likely to have done exactly what he did (drunk driving) but without the dire consequences, says much about their character.

Having said all that... I'm now open to assault by the rabid right. Just because I know his kin, does not mean I am excusing him of that night. I'm not a dyed in the wool Dem, nor am I an apologist. Just a person tired of seeing people beat this very very dead horse. But instead of admitting that they truly know nothing about it beyond some slanted articles and possibly a history channel expose, they will attack me for being an apologist and I'm sure that more than one will try to define me with this post using well worn political tactics.

So go ahead, show us your amazing ability to summarize a person with limited information and dazzle us with your ignorance some more.

Now then, where's the line for Bush... I've really gotta go