Not all that drink heavy or abuse alcohol are alcoholics. The alcoholic's body reacts differently biologically to alcohol. Not everyone that drinks heavy will become alcoholic because alcoholism is a genetic predisposition. However if those with the genetic predisposition start drinking they are likely to become alcoholic.

Both of my parents were alcoholic. I have only two full-blooded siblings and both of them are alcoholic. I was diagnosed as an alcoholic by a psychiatrist at age 15.

Of course, many in the public don't understand alcoholism, what it is or its treatment. So if that is what Barack is dealing with in his little brother, it stands to reason he wouldn't want to get into a discussion about it.

'Alcoholism' is just another excuse. My family has had its share... of 'alcoholics'.

>>So if...<<

Yeah, mebbe.

>>...that is what Barack is dealing with in his little brother, it stands to reason he wouldn't want to get into a discussion about it.<<

I don’t know that anyone particularly cares whether little bro’ has a social problem, or not. I suspect that most, observing the ‘breaking’ news, is simply wondering why it is that ‘bama so eagerly intends to redistribute ‘our’ monie$ to alleviate ‘poverty’ overseas – yet, we see on that same ‘news’ – that ‘bama is a wee bit more chary where issues and concerns run up against his own a$$et$.

Typical Marxist effluvia.

Tchah! doubled, in spades.

Tchah! doubled, in spades.

Oh, speaking of Marxist effluvia – what’s the latest ‘breaking’ news on Frank Marshall Davis? y’know, ‘bama’s Hawaiian mentor, ol’ ‘Red’ Frank, out of Chicago, IL and member of Communist Party USA, -- who published such poetry as the ode to the Soviet Red Army...

"Smash on, victory-eating Red Army", or howsabout...

“'Christ is a Dixie Ni—er”

[???}

Kinda lends a new light to ‘bama’s organizing efforts with the censured ‘Acorn’ and his affiliation with a Black Liberation philosophy-spouting pastor, eh? :-o

You seem to be ascribing *our* ideas, arguments and rationalisations to Obama, jasd, whereas he has said nothing on the story. And the original story comes from an extremely suspect source, and as far as I know hasn't been backed up by anything more credible.

The story comes from the Italian Vanity Fair. They seem to have a decent reputation although they were held for libel with Polanski. The Telegraph picked it up from them and Drudge put a link to it from his site. The conservative talk shows were talking about it this past week. I have not seen any response to from Obama or any Obama supporters.

>>You seem to be ascribing *our* ideas, arguments and rationalisations to Obama, jasd,<<

Partially, true.

>>...whereas he has said nothing on the story. And the original story comes from an extremely suspect source, and as far as I know hasn't been backed up by anything more credible.<<

Ah, c’mon, you mean the Daily Telegraph and The Huffington Post aren’t sufficiently credible...?

Umm, 'bama has acknowledged his little bro' - and little bro' does not give off the appearance of living in the lap of luxury – awaayyy yon over there... Anyway it is not ‘that’ source, which causes me concern – but the other – that gives me agida and angst. I’m certain you know whereof I speak. Anyhow,

it's the campaign season, yahoo!