The Difference Between Conservatives and Liberals

When you read stories about Republicans facing personal problems of their own doing, you're not going to see much sympathy from the right. John Ensign is a perfect case.

When liberals get themselves in a fix? Heck, not only does the left circle the wagons, they give awards to these miscreants.

So what if he's in rehab? The 21st Century Democrats, a 527 special interest organization, is still honoring Rep. Patrick Kennedy (D-R.I.) at its annual gala tomorrow night.

But don't expect to see Kennedy, who entered a medical treatment facility last week, at the dinner.

An email sent today from the group's president, Dan Lucas, reminded supporters that the gala is Wednesday evening in honor of Sen. Jeff Merkley (D-Ore.) and Congressman Kennedy, the son of Sen. Edward Kennedy (D-Mass.), who is battling brain cancer.

"In these difficult times, we need leaders with the integrity and vision to help President Obama move our country forward and address the big challenges facing all Americans," Lucas wrote. "Tomorrow we are proud to honor two such leaders."

So a drunken drug addict is a leader with vision. Somehow I doubt John Ensign will soon be receiving any awards.

Kennedy, 41, who has long battled alcohol and drug addiction, coupled with mental illness, checked himself into an undisclosed treatment center last week. His office said only that the facility is not the Mayo Clinic, where Kennedy sought treatment for addiction after his drug-induced car crash in May 2006.

Raise a glass in honor of Patches.

As for how long Kennedy expects to be away, a spokesman said "we'll cross that bridge when we come to it."