It appears that in order to hold a discussion the President, in some fashion has to drug his guests. Otherwise why would it be the highlight of his meeting with the Cambridge Policeman and Gates that they should indicate what "beer" they want to drink. It is a terrible example for the young people to make alcohol his center piece. That is all that has been covered by the media. Given the number of people in the world who suffer from some form of addiction to make another drug the key to a Presidential meeting is beyond the pale. I know there will be all sorts of response that it is just "beer" but it is a form of a drug and should not be the principle line item on the Presidents agenda and an example being set for the youth.

I respectively disagree. I think it is nice to have a President who can be one of us and meet informally to difuse an issue. The media will always jump on something ridiculous to get attention. Let's have a beer and discuss it.

Originally Posted by Bob S

I respectively disagree. I think it is nice to have a President who can be one of us and meet informally to difuse an issue. The media will always jump on something ridiculous to get attention. Let's have a beer and discuss it.

If they were meeting over a plate of Hostess Cupcakes, there would be some obesity fanatic complaining about the bad example it was setting for our fat kids. And Gawd forbid anyone suggest the pass around a peace pipe.




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I knew when I wrote the note that the beer drinkers would check in. There is no problem with people enjoying a beer if they are not an alcoholic and can control their drinking. However to make it a center piece of any event is to encourage drinking including among the youth and I wonder how many would look at it as an innocent pass time if their children or spouse were addicted to alcohol?
We have family members who are Therapists for addictions and see the terrible affects it has on families and friends. It should be treated, like any other drug as a "drug" and not encouraged to be a good outlet for youth To make it the "fun" thing at a White House discussion where the subject is already discord between a couple of people is inexcuseable. So now the youth believe if they are going to have a fun get together lets make beer the focal point. In some cases it is the gateway drug for stronger alcohol.
Like I said I am not a nut that believe drinking should be outlawed. But I do believe it should not be encouraged as a way to escape when there are serious discussions, and not made to be a need to have fun and relax.

Please, Obama is not asking them to come to a college "kegger" and get soused. The idea of resolving an issue "over a beer" is a phrase of art that indicates a meeting without an agenda with no pretenses. Take your shots at Obama over the bailouts, the stimulus package, the health care reform and even his "stupidity" comment, all are fair game. However, I cannot agree with making an issue of this.

Expect this meeting to be a fake, scripted photo-op for Obama, who needs to divert attention from his nosediving approval ratings. Will the public buy this charade, or will it backfire on him?

Yep..if hostess cup cake had the potential of sending you on the highway drugged up and risking an accident they should not be served.
OK. 3 people go to a detox center..One is an alcoholic high on alcohol, one is high on herion and one is high on crack. Which has tbe greatest chance of dying and will be watched very closely. Buzz. wrong. it is the alcoholic as it breaks down most organs. Notice..none were at risk on hostess cup cakes.

They should probably start with shots to ease the tension quickly. (just kidding)

I would rather see Joe Biden get drunk on television and see what he would say. LOL

Seriously, they said they were going to have a beer and talk. They didn't say they were going to get tanked. I think teaching the young about responsible drinking is important and this event would be a good excuse to start a dialogue with our younger members of society.

The phrase damned if you, and damned if you don't comes to mind.

I suppose one could say if any of the participants (a president, police offficer, scholar) wanted to make a statement they could decline the beer and have something else.

IMHO I think it's a good idea/gesture they are meeting.

I think some people have too much time on their hands!

Originally Posted by ohiogolf

Please, Obama is not asking them to come to a college "kegger" and get soused. The idea of resolving an issue "over a beer" is a phrase of art that indicates a meeting without an agenda with no pretenses. Take your shots at Obama over the bailouts, the stimulus package, the health care reform and even his "stupidity" comment, all are fair game. However, I cannot agree with making an issue of this.

The issue of Obama mis-speaking ("the police acted stupidly") is NOT going to be resolved by this goofy demonstration. Since he is too full of self importance to resolve this the correct way, by apologizing, this mis-statement will continue to haunt him.

I repeat "some people have way too much time on their hands".....
This meeting is a media event to diffuse Obama's rush to judgement...nothing else.....the good part will be if the cop and the professor can make peace.......Obama will be fine no matter what the outcome.........over a beer is low-key and supposed to be viewed just that way.

Originally Posted by k2at

I think some people have too much time on their hands!

It is my time and I will do as I please!

A couple of beers, cigars, watch the Rays-Yankees game, some chips & salsa - may as well make a decent time out of it. I'm sure all three of the gentlemen could probably use a break in all of this.

And for anyone concerned that it sets a bad example, what doesn't to somebody these days?

And if they pop a pony keg and decide to kick all of the reporters out and enjoy themselves - that would probably by the most productive thing to come out of all of this.

Now, if they can just get the Harvard prof who wants Red Stripe to go domestic like the other two guys, then "peace" will prevail!