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Sharp Edges
- By Chuck Palomino
- Published 02/24/2009
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Chuck Palomino
View all articles by Chuck Palomino
By Chuck Palomino
Looking for some happy news or any item in a local Eugene paper that would lift my usual winter spirits, I came across a piece of contemporary news that drew my attention. Before I continue, what I am about to say does not in any way endorse or criticize the moral or legal aspects of the smokable intoxicant, marijuana.
The herb that is referred to by different monikers such as weed, devil weed, and smoke or on the Mexican border, “mota.” My attention was drawn to the article and as I read I understood that the following had occurred. Michael Phelps, the Olympic swimming champ, had been photographed at a party sucking wind from a bong. I think everyone knows what a bong is. It’s a device for fogging up ones lungs before fogging up one’s head. Firing weeds from Satan’s garden packed in the barrel of the device before sucking said wind does this. For the uninitiated..... a pipe.
The age that we live in being what it is, the photo hit the front page of a British tabloid as soon as Phelps became famous. It was rumored that the paper paid $100,00 for the picture. On the talk show circuit Phelps was questioned
and being the kind of person that he is admitted to the act, and said his mea culpa. I don’t think he would have lied about it even if the evidence were less convincing. That brings me to the crux of my mixed emotions about this whole affair. Several lucrative endorsements, Kellogg’s for one, have canceled contracts with Phelps. He no longer appears on the front of Kellogg Corn Flakes boxes.
I understand that the giant of the breakfast table is in business to make money. Any marketing decisions are dictated by that goal. I also believe that it is their prerogative to endorse or not endorse anyone they care to. Keeping that in mind I have always thought that fairness is at it’s best when the character of the accused is considered along with the severity and consequence of the offense. Focus, dedication and hours of hard work should count for something.
Public opinion, as always, divided between the objective and the subjective bathes it in pro and con. One thing for sure the man is a role model and hero to us who yearn for them. That comes at a cost. To paraphrase someone wiser than me, hero worship is strongest where there is least regard for human folly. As for me it is just something to think about on several levels.
Looking for some happy news or any item in a local Eugene paper that would lift my usual winter spirits, I came across a piece of contemporary news that drew my attention. Before I continue, what I am about to say does not in any way endorse or criticize the moral or legal aspects of the smokable intoxicant, marijuana.
The herb that is referred to by different monikers such as weed, devil weed, and smoke or on the Mexican border, “mota.” My attention was drawn to the article and as I read I understood that the following had occurred. Michael Phelps, the Olympic swimming champ, had been photographed at a party sucking wind from a bong. I think everyone knows what a bong is. It’s a device for fogging up ones lungs before fogging up one’s head. Firing weeds from Satan’s garden packed in the barrel of the device before sucking said wind does this. For the uninitiated..... a pipe.
The age that we live in being what it is, the photo hit the front page of a British tabloid as soon as Phelps became famous. It was rumored that the paper paid $100,00 for the picture. On the talk show circuit Phelps was questioned
I understand that the giant of the breakfast table is in business to make money. Any marketing decisions are dictated by that goal. I also believe that it is their prerogative to endorse or not endorse anyone they care to. Keeping that in mind I have always thought that fairness is at it’s best when the character of the accused is considered along with the severity and consequence of the offense. Focus, dedication and hours of hard work should count for something.
Public opinion, as always, divided between the objective and the subjective bathes it in pro and con. One thing for sure the man is a role model and hero to us who yearn for them. That comes at a cost. To paraphrase someone wiser than me, hero worship is strongest where there is least regard for human folly. As for me it is just something to think about on several levels.