The search for credibility

The Bush Administration is out pounding the pavement in an effort to push a story about Social Security down the American Taxpayer's throat that is also being hotly disputed in the opposition party's camp.

This is just one of many issues (all issues) in which the "yes it is", "no it isn't" level of discourse is prevalent. Why are we not having a constructive discussion between both parties, front and center for the American people, which would go a long way toward regaining some degree of credibility in our political system.

Consider this story:

Treatment for pot triples in decade

March 5, 2005

WASHINGTON -- The admission rate for those who seek treatment for marijuana use almost tripled between 1992 and 2002, latest data compiled by the federal government shows.
The numbers released Friday reflect a growing use of marijuana in the 1990s and an increase in the potency of marijuana, said Tom Riley, a spokesman for the White House's Office of National Drug Control Policy.
''This report makes clear what people in the public health community have known for years, which is marijuana is a much more dangerous drug than many Americans realize,'' Riley said.
The study was conducted by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. AP

This is a typical article of news put out by the Administration, and doesn't really tell us anything more than the possibility that two people ran out of pot in 1992, while six people ran out in 2002.

These are also very interesting:

Drug Control Office Faulted For Issuing Fake News Tapes

Prepackaged ONDCP "News" Segments Called Illegal Propaganda