Obama smokes cigarettes, Phelps smoked pot...

... British tabloids exposed Phelps, but haven't captured Obama's habit.
Phelps has been hit with a three month suspension from US swimming and Kellogg has canceled his sponsorship over the photo. The governing body of US swimming says they're sending a message with the suspension, and Kellogg says his behavior doesn't represent their brand.
Phelps is taking this one on the chin, apologizing and promising to win back the trust of his fans. He and his coach are accepting the suspension and are apparently eager to resume training and competition, although Phelps may not compete in the 2012 Olympics.
Journalists are now debating whether Phelps should face criminal charges.
All this because Phelps is considered a role model. Which he is.
But pressing charges would be going too far. Bringing heroes down won't ensure young swimmers avoid drugs, and would only amplify sympathy for a man who is under constant scrutiny and never would have been caught if he weren't so famous.
If we want to keep creating role models for our kids, we need to acknowledge that no one is perfect, and that making mistakes is a part of life. If we don't, we risk not having heroes at all.
Look at Barack Obama. He is, and should be, a role model for our children. He is proof to so many that you can grow up to be President. Should we throw that away because he smokes cigarettes? We don't want our children to smoke, but we shouldn't bring down a hero.
Just so with Phelps.