Presidential candidate Barack Obama spoke openly about his past experience with drugs and alcohol in high school in New Hampshire last week according to http://www.cnn.com. When Obama was asked if he ever inhaled marijuana he answered “Yes, I inhaled. The point was to inhale.”
The question was referring to a statement made by former President Bill Clinton who admitted to trying marijuana but said he did not inhale.
Though some may see Obama’s answer as being risky to his campaign, but his openness is a step in the right direction. It is not often that a politician is open about his past.
As young people, there are things that we have done that we should not have, or still maybe do. But, does that make us bad people? No, it does not.
While on the campaign trail on Saturday, GOP White House hopeful Mitt Romney said Obama’s earlier comments set a bad example for young people. He said that although he agrees that nobody’s perfect, “it’s important for [politicians] not to go into details about the weaknesses and our failings as young people for the concern that we open kids thinking that it’s okay for them.”
Romney’s comment is exactly what is wrong with politicians.
Romney, and people who thinks as he does, should give Obama a break.
Everyone makes mistakes and Obama should not be crucified because he chooses to expose the good, the bad and the ugly about his life experiences.
Obama- We commend you.
Katrelle Simmons for the Editorial Board.