As a recovering alcoholic of 50 years’ sobriety in March, I belong to a group that eschews diagnosing someone as an alcoholic besides ourselves. With apologies to my friends, if this guy isn’t an alcoholic, I’ll eat my hat or all my hats and I collect hats. It’s terrifying that this guy as Defense Chief will drink. I absolutely guarantee he will at the first sign of stress. Five seconds after the oath? I just hope there’s some way to toss the guy out on his ear when he’s drunk on the job. I’m praying for our amazing military who faithfully commit to protecting our country. They deserve much better. Sorry so long!
And as you may have discovered in 50 years of dealing with drunks, he won't be the first person to swear he'll never have another sip IF ONLY.
If only he gets another chance. . .
If only the spouse comes back. . .
If only the cop makes it a warning. . .
If only the judge gives him a break this one time. . .
I'm related to a lot of alcoholics. I grew up with an alcoholic father who found AA in the late 1960s and spent the rest of his life maintaining his sobriety.
The thing that Hegseth said which triggered me is when he said he wasn't an alcoholic because he hadn't had to go to counseling for alcohol.
Excuse me?
You think avoiding counseling and continuing to drink makes you sober?
(Yes, not everyone who drinks is an alcoholic. Yes, a lot of people drink without it being a problem. Those people haven't gotten fired from two vets groups for drinking.)
If you're not dealing with your drinking, you have no business being anywhere near real responsibility.
Thanks for your powerful comment! You nailed the stinking thinking of the typical alcoholic ....the excuses, the denial, the blame game. How wonderful that your dad found recovery and stayed sober!
Cynical no. I'm an experienced drunk myself, sober now, but I know the behavior of addicts first hand. Just saying "I won't drink" won't hold under pressure. Learn about alcoholism before calling me a silly name.
Actually, I don't believe him at all. I know that saying it doesn't make it so. I was making fun of Hegseth, not you. I was joking. Sorry if it was in poor taste.
His kids stood there and kept dipping their hands into the Champaign tub to drink it….Pete sat in it and watched…the hosts didn’t even stop them…that’s effing repulsive.
Not only does he need help, but think of the future therapy his poor kids will need! And to say nothing of our country if this drunken POS is put in a position of leadership!!
Great work Ben. Not trying to be stereotypical but just looking at this person it is obvious there are serious problems with him - I know a drunk when I see one! And he would be in charge of the greatest military in the world? He needs some help, serious help, and not be given one of the most powerful positions in the world. It's just like the drunken husband who abuses his family and gets kicked out - and then comes crying back saying he will not drink anymore if they take him back. So they do, and that lasts about a week. He is telling the Senators that if given the post he will stop drinking altogether lol, same thing. He needs to go see his Mommy.
Yeah, I'm sure he's draining those bottles of liquor in his office at this very moment...right down his throat. Can't let good booze go to waste. The last time I saw an office with a bar was "Don Draper" on Mad Men.
We are so screwed. Like the pressure of being Secretary of Defense in charge of the Pentagon and our military won't have him reaching for the bottle. Is he going to have Mommy get up in front of congress to tell them all what a good boy he is? He'll be walking around with an IV drip of vodka... if they can find a vein with all his white supremacist evangelical Christian Crusades tattoos on his body.
Speaking of his tattoos, I just read this article in New Lines Magazine online about his tattoos and what they represent. I never heard of this site but this articles sounds pretty factual to me. As a matter of fact, after reading it, I had to grab a Xanax. I might even need a drink (and I rarely drink) and an edible too. And if this POS doesn't get in, what nightmare will be waiting in the wings?
My experience with alcoholics is also this. At least it has been true of alcoholics who have the some shame of their habit and an awareness that it would not be culturally (for lack a better word) accepted. I think the difference here is he doesn’t think he has a problem. It’s his norm and his privilege has allowed it without consequences, so why hide when you have no shame, only power.
There is a broad spectrum of problematic alcohol use. I personally don't think anyone in that position should use any mind-altering substances. Alcohol or no, he's not qualified. He's an extremist and his other leadership roles didn't go well.
My experience w alcoholics is that if they don’t live alone, the alcohol is hidden from the housemate. The alcohol is there, and you’re kidding yourself if you think it's a dry house.
I grew up with two alcoholics: my father, who was a falling down drunk and never, not once his his booze; and my step-father, who was a nasty and violent drunk who never his his either.
Yup. My alcoholic parents were the only ones in the house who drank, but the liquor delivered by the corner store by the caseload was never theirs either.
My dad kept his stash on his special spot on the counter. No hiding necessary. He was also cured, according to him, within a week of treatment. Every single time.
Interesting that these clowns don’t even measure up to the standard of American workers who do not have alcohol ever during their lunch as was done back in the 70s.
...And liquor is not his only problem! This guy is a dyed-in-the-wool white nationalist racist, sexist misanthrope and we should never allow this nomination to be confirmed!
As a former alcohol & drug abuse Counselor, there's nothing more ridiculous than his promise he'll never drink again. That is not a promise an unrecovered alcoholic can make with any degree of certainty. As a matter of fact, it can be a red flag for assured relapse.
He’s an alcoholic who says he doesn’t have a drinking problem. That’s a big problem in itself, if he can’t so much as admit that he drinks too much how can he be trusted with our military. To top that off he’s got women who claim that he’s a sexual predator. How he could pass a background check is beyond me!
He was accused of rape as any sane person would define it. The law called it sexual assault because she didn't report it the way the police wanted. Rape is rape.
Interesting that Trump would continue to support him since he eschews alcohol himself. It’s the one vice he in which he is disciplined. Alcohol or not, his potential appointment is a joke.
At my place of employment, drinking on the job will get you fired. Having alcohol in your office would not be accepted. Are there execs that have a bottle in their desk or file drawer? Most certainly yes but it’s secreted because it’s not acceptable. Anywhere other than FOX or maybe TV in general, such a blatant display of alcohol and drinking is a career limiting move to say least. Even Andy and Anderson would be in hot water anywhere else. He won’t quit. He probably can’t on his own. Saying he doesn’t have a drinking problem, saying he’ll “quit if” he gets that big promotion….yeah no he won’t. I don’t care if the guy drinks but I do care about SOD being clear headed, professional and qualified. Oh yeah and sober at work.
I wonder if they would be so tolerant if he smelled like weed all the time.
Not the devil's lettuce.
😜
You mean like Junior President Musk?
As a recovering alcoholic of 50 years’ sobriety in March, I belong to a group that eschews diagnosing someone as an alcoholic besides ourselves. With apologies to my friends, if this guy isn’t an alcoholic, I’ll eat my hat or all my hats and I collect hats. It’s terrifying that this guy as Defense Chief will drink. I absolutely guarantee he will at the first sign of stress. Five seconds after the oath? I just hope there’s some way to toss the guy out on his ear when he’s drunk on the job. I’m praying for our amazing military who faithfully commit to protecting our country. They deserve much better. Sorry so long!
And as you may have discovered in 50 years of dealing with drunks, he won't be the first person to swear he'll never have another sip IF ONLY.
If only he gets another chance. . .
If only the spouse comes back. . .
If only the cop makes it a warning. . .
If only the judge gives him a break this one time. . .
I'm related to a lot of alcoholics. I grew up with an alcoholic father who found AA in the late 1960s and spent the rest of his life maintaining his sobriety.
The thing that Hegseth said which triggered me is when he said he wasn't an alcoholic because he hadn't had to go to counseling for alcohol.
Excuse me?
You think avoiding counseling and continuing to drink makes you sober?
(Yes, not everyone who drinks is an alcoholic. Yes, a lot of people drink without it being a problem. Those people haven't gotten fired from two vets groups for drinking.)
If you're not dealing with your drinking, you have no business being anywhere near real responsibility.
Thanks for your powerful comment! You nailed the stinking thinking of the typical alcoholic ....the excuses, the denial, the blame game. How wonderful that your dad found recovery and stayed sober!
It was but he had to hit rock bottom before he did.
Congratulations to you!
Fifty years is damn impressive.
Thank you, Bridget. With acceptance and support by loving friends.
What? How can you say "this guy as Defense Chief will drink"? He said he won't! Don't you believe him? My, you are cynical.
Cynical no. I'm an experienced drunk myself, sober now, but I know the behavior of addicts first hand. Just saying "I won't drink" won't hold under pressure. Learn about alcoholism before calling me a silly name.
Actually, I don't believe him at all. I know that saying it doesn't make it so. I was making fun of Hegseth, not you. I was joking. Sorry if it was in poor taste.
Surely, with the evidence provided, this was a sarcastic comment … right??
Yes, it was. It was meant to echo what the MAGA-types are trying to argue about Hegseth's being an upstanding guy & and changed man, all of that.
You know nothing about alcoholism or addiction
Or maybe you do know more than you're willing to admit about yourself
Oh, & ps: a dry drunk is STILL a drunk
Please see my reply to Josie Corning. I do know. I was making fun of Hegseth & his cheerleaders, who insist he can turn on a sober dime.
His kids stood there and kept dipping their hands into the Champaign tub to drink it….Pete sat in it and watched…the hosts didn’t even stop them…that’s effing repulsive.
And illegal.
…and child abuse.
He needs help, not to be put in charge of one of the world’s largest arsenals.
Not only does he need help, but think of the future therapy his poor kids will need! And to say nothing of our country if this drunken POS is put in a position of leadership!!
Hegseth has SEVEN kids by THREE mothers—that will contribute to the therapy load.
Was he drunk through all the conceptions?
If not drunk, somehow unable to effectively use a condom.... so he's going to manage complex weapons systems?
Great work Ben. Not trying to be stereotypical but just looking at this person it is obvious there are serious problems with him - I know a drunk when I see one! And he would be in charge of the greatest military in the world? He needs some help, serious help, and not be given one of the most powerful positions in the world. It's just like the drunken husband who abuses his family and gets kicked out - and then comes crying back saying he will not drink anymore if they take him back. So they do, and that lasts about a week. He is telling the Senators that if given the post he will stop drinking altogether lol, same thing. He needs to go see his Mommy.
He promised to quit *after* being sworn in 😆
Yeah, I'm sure he's draining those bottles of liquor in his office at this very moment...right down his throat. Can't let good booze go to waste. The last time I saw an office with a bar was "Don Draper" on Mad Men.
We are so screwed. Like the pressure of being Secretary of Defense in charge of the Pentagon and our military won't have him reaching for the bottle. Is he going to have Mommy get up in front of congress to tell them all what a good boy he is? He'll be walking around with an IV drip of vodka... if they can find a vein with all his white supremacist evangelical Christian Crusades tattoos on his body.
Speaking of his tattoos, I just read this article in New Lines Magazine online about his tattoos and what they represent. I never heard of this site but this articles sounds pretty factual to me. As a matter of fact, after reading it, I had to grab a Xanax. I might even need a drink (and I rarely drink) and an edible too. And if this POS doesn't get in, what nightmare will be waiting in the wings?
https://newlinesmag.com/essays/pete-hegseths-tattoos-and-the-crusading-obsession-of-the-far-right/
A lot of evidence that he has a problem with alcohol
Ummm. My experience with alcoholism is they don’t leave booze hanging around
My experience with alcoholics is also this. At least it has been true of alcoholics who have the some shame of their habit and an awareness that it would not be culturally (for lack a better word) accepted. I think the difference here is he doesn’t think he has a problem. It’s his norm and his privilege has allowed it without consequences, so why hide when you have no shame, only power.
That what I am saying he believes that he doesn’t have a problem when someone thinks that he has a problem
There is a broad spectrum of problematic alcohol use. I personally don't think anyone in that position should use any mind-altering substances. Alcohol or no, he's not qualified. He's an extremist and his other leadership roles didn't go well.
I was thinking he has an assistant that makes sure it’s stocked.
My ex husband was an alcoholic. It was never hid. He didn’t think he was 🙄
My experience w alcoholics is that if they don’t live alone, the alcohol is hidden from the housemate. The alcohol is there, and you’re kidding yourself if you think it's a dry house.
I grew up with two alcoholics: my father, who was a falling down drunk and never, not once his his booze; and my step-father, who was a nasty and violent drunk who never his his either.
Yup. My alcoholic parents were the only ones in the house who drank, but the liquor delivered by the corner store by the caseload was never theirs either.
My dad kept his stash on his special spot on the counter. No hiding necessary. He was also cured, according to him, within a week of treatment. Every single time.
My experience with alcoholic family members is that they DO leave booze around when they aren’t admitting they have a problem.
How do you know its alcohol? Maybe it's colored water
ALL the bottles are almost empty
My experience mirrors his stash.
Even more if you look at the refrigerator below. Doesn't appear to be microwavable lunches in there.
I thank fellow vetran Hegseth for his service!
Having said that, a washed out National Guard Major with documented behavior/alcohol abuse issues is ZERO % qualified as Sec Def!!!
But, 49ish % thought an adjudicated Rapist and convicted felon was perfect for Supreme Leader so...😘
Interesting that these clowns don’t even measure up to the standard of American workers who do not have alcohol ever during their lunch as was done back in the 70s.
...And liquor is not his only problem! This guy is a dyed-in-the-wool white nationalist racist, sexist misanthrope and we should never allow this nomination to be confirmed!
Once a klanner, always a klanner.
What's a little rape got to do with anything. Apparently nothing.
Exactly
Super great investigation! Thank you, Meidas!!
As a former alcohol & drug abuse Counselor, there's nothing more ridiculous than his promise he'll never drink again. That is not a promise an unrecovered alcoholic can make with any degree of certainty. As a matter of fact, it can be a red flag for assured relapse.
Indeed it shows poor insight into the disease process if he indeex has a Use Disorder.
He’s an alcoholic who says he doesn’t have a drinking problem. That’s a big problem in itself, if he can’t so much as admit that he drinks too much how can he be trusted with our military. To top that off he’s got women who claim that he’s a sexual predator. How he could pass a background check is beyond me!
He was accused of rape as any sane person would define it. The law called it sexual assault because she didn't report it the way the police wanted. Rape is rape.
Interesting that Trump would continue to support him since he eschews alcohol himself. It’s the one vice he in which he is disciplined. Alcohol or not, his potential appointment is a joke.
Getting sober is something you do for probation. Not to become the head of the most powerful military in the world alongside nuke codes.
At my place of employment, drinking on the job will get you fired. Having alcohol in your office would not be accepted. Are there execs that have a bottle in their desk or file drawer? Most certainly yes but it’s secreted because it’s not acceptable. Anywhere other than FOX or maybe TV in general, such a blatant display of alcohol and drinking is a career limiting move to say least. Even Andy and Anderson would be in hot water anywhere else. He won’t quit. He probably can’t on his own. Saying he doesn’t have a drinking problem, saying he’ll “quit if” he gets that big promotion….yeah no he won’t. I don’t care if the guy drinks but I do care about SOD being clear headed, professional and qualified. Oh yeah and sober at work.