At Least His Parents Taught Him Something About Responsibility

You can love him or hate him. But at least his parents taught him something about taking responsibility for his actions.

Al Gore's Son Pleads Guilty to Drug Charges

MONDAY JULY 30, 2007 01:35 PM EDT

By Ken Lee

Albert Gore III pleaded guilty to four drug-related charges in an Orange County court on Monday, and opted to enter a drug rehab program to avoid prison time.

Appearing with his lawyer before Judge Jacob H. Jager, Gore indicated to the court that he would enter an intensive 90-day residential center.

"This is what anyone coming off the street would be eligible for," said Orange County District Attorney spokeswoman Susan Kang-Schroeder. "Gore didn't get any more or any less than anyone else."

Gore was carrying 140 pills of Vicodin, along with "dozens" of other medications when he was pulled over on July 4 in Southern Calif. while speeding in a Toyota Prius.

Deputies searched his car after they detected the smell of marijuana, and found prescription drugs including Xanax, Valium, Soma, Vicodin and Adderall, as well as a small amount of marijuana.

The former vice president's son has a history of encounters with the law.

In August 2000, he was ticketed for going 97 mph in a 55-mph zone in North Carolina, and had his driving privileges suspended.

Two years later, he was cited for DUI in Virginia. He eventually pleaded guilty and was sentenced to one year's probation.

And in December 2003, Gore was arrested for marijuana possession in Maryland after he was pulled over for driving with his headlights off. He was sentenced to drug counseling in that case.

A Gore family spokeswoman had no comment.

One thing I can say for Gore is that at least he's taking responsibility for his actions, unlike some people we know. He's not out there declaring his innocence. He's not out there saying that the drugs weren't his. He's not saying that the "black kid" was driving. He's owning up to what he did. He pled guilty to felonies among other charges, and did so without pissing and moaning. He didn't drag the issue out for months. He didn't try to cut a deal. He said I'M GUILTY, and he's prepared to go to rehab. I also think that he truly realizes that if he fails at rehab, he will most likely be doing some kind of stint in jail.

I have to give him credit where credit is due!! Perhaps some of these other people out there could learn a lesson or two from him. Lindsay? Paris? Nicole? Shemar? Are you paying attention? You may actually learn something!!