W. The Movie

Without divulging my political inclinations, I want to post an argument to Oliver Stone's newest film, W.  Before I say anything, please take a look at the trailer and make your own assessment of its merit.

So, do you think it's a tad unfair?  I do.  And I am not talking about all of the implications of Bush's legacy as president.  I am talking about the film's focus on his younger years.  

As you can see, W., the trailer, implies a significant amount of the movie will explore President Bush's youthful indiscretions as a drunkard and drug user.  Yeah, when he was young, Bush had a drinking problem and reportedly used cocaine.  But that is in his past.  I am not saying drug use is at all okay in any condition, but I think it is appropriate to acknowledge the fact that he no longer uses those substances and has cleaned up his act.

People unfairly use this against Bush when they neglect to highlight others' run-ins with the law or drugs.  People make mistakes when they are young.  It happens.  I dare Oliver Stone to come out and tell everyone he never got drunk when he was in his twenties.  Come to think of it, didn't Mr. Stone encounter his own trouble when he was arrested in 1999 for drunk driving and drug possession?  Don't believe me?  Check out this article from CNN: http://www.cnn.com/SHOWBIZ/Movies/9907/16/oliver.stone.01/index.html.  And that was 9 years ago.  Stone has since cleaned up his act.  Bush's drinking problems were decades ago.  See the hypocrisy? 

...And it's not a general hypocrisy.  It is a hypocrisy geared toward Bush.

The New York Times reported that liberal presidential hopeful Barack Obama used cocaine, 'reefer', and alcohol during his younger years (

http://www.nytimes.com/2008/02/09/us/politics/09obama.html), but no one seems to think that will affect his level of qualification to be president.  Remember when Bill Clinton famously quipped he tried marijuana but "never inhaled".  Everyone thought this line was funny and not disheartening.  

There is a double standard.  Yes, Bush's presidency is highly controversial and I admit has not been as successful as it could have been.  I get that people don't like Bush.  I just encourage people to make their arguments against him based on political ideology and leadership rather than youthful skip-ups.  And I further encourage critics to be sure they are not guilty of the same crime before they start pointing fingers.