Former S.C. Treasurer Thomas Ravenel has issued a statement addressing his recent arrest in New York on suspicion of driving while impaired (the Empire State’s version of “driving under the influence”).
Here in its entirety is the statement we received from Ravenel …
While I have never believed recreational drug use within one’s home to be something worthy of criminalization, when I was arrested on this charge in 2007 I was a statewide elected official. As such, I should have exercised better judgment – which is why I apologized to the people of my state for letting them down. But I then did something few politicians ever do – I took responsibility for my actions and I paid my debt to society.
When I’m wrong I admit it – and make it right. That’s what Thomas Ravenel does.
In this situation, however, I emphatically reject the allegations of intoxication and erratic driving. As I told the arresting officer – who I respect for doing his job – I had a beer at the club and a glass of wine prior to that at dinner. I was not drunk, and I look forward to making my case in court.
Developing …
***
124 comments
Referring to himself in third person, FTW!
If there ever were an indication that someone is a complete douchebag…
Finius also caught that —
It’s obviously a communicable disease.
I wonder if there are just “carriers”, like Kathryn Dennis for example.
TBG believes that T-Rav is thanking his lucky stars that he didn’t have any er..pharmaceuticals in the vehicle. Maybe that could explain the erratic driving.
*cough* Duane Coleman *cough*
Ever get a blowjob while driving? THAT can make you swerve. Was Katheryn in the car?
Pro Tip:
Use cruise control, lest you try to push the accelerator through the floorboard.
True Story:
TBG knew a guy who, many years ago , got pulled over while being *ahem* serviced. The woman didn’t even slow down as the cop approached the car. The officer said something along the lines of, “I noticed you weaving a ways back. Now I know why.”
And returned to his cruiser.
That just goes to show you how officers of the law from South Carolina really are, ‘Friendly;’ nothing new or unusual there.
Referring to himself in third person, FTW!
If there ever were an indication that someone is a complete douchebag…
Finius also caught that —
It’s obviously a communicable disease.
I wonder if there are just “carriers”, like Kathryn Dennis for example.
TBG believes that T-Rav is thanking his lucky stars that he didn’t have any er..pharmaceuticals in the vehicle. Maybe that could explain the erratic driving.
*cough* Duane Coleman *cough*
Ever get a blowjob while driving? THAT can make you swerve. Was Katheryn in the car?
Pro Tip:
Use cruise control, lest you try to push the accelerator through the floorboard.
True Story:
TBG knew a guy who, many years ago , got pulled over while being *ahem* serviced. The woman didn’t even slow down as the cop approached the car. The officer said something along the lines of, “I noticed you weaving a ways back. Now I know why.”
And returned to his cruiser.
That just goes to show you how officers of the law from South Carolina really are, ‘Friendly;’ nothing new or unusual there.
That’s how T Rav rolls!
That’s how T Rav rolls!
Blow a good name and a family’s fortune on drugs. Judge Anderson, in his sentencing of Ravenel, found that TRav wasn’t forthcoming and truthful. Further, TRav has been a self-righteous prick-victim since getting out of the clink. Now he’s running around with with a bobblehead doll who’s 30 years his junior and he’s doing reality TV. And $20 sez he’s got Will Folks on the payroll with all this slobbering, embarrassing PR he’s doing to try to make him seem viable and interesting, of which he’s neither.
“That’s what Thomas Ravenel does.”
When I quit drinking in 2006 one of the few friends who stood with me unconditionally and supported me was Thomas. He is a friend of mine, and I stand by him. Furthermore he doesn’t have to pay me a nickel for that loyalty. It is his for free. Having said that, when he makes news – good or bad – I cover it to the best of my ability in a manner consistent w/ what I believe. Because that’s my job. Don’t know what else you want from me dude …
He’s a waste of space man and by giving him any amount of the spotlight, you’re complicit in the glorification of drugs abusers and drunk drivers. You should serve him up with the same mocking tone that you treated the Ted Vick DUIs. Instead you pine after him, like some sort of deranged schoolgirl in love with the star quarterback. He’s a silver spoon baby with a severe case of arrested development, nothing more.
With apologies to Gov. Ann Richards, I’ll say it again :
“Poor little T-Rav… He can’t help it… He was born with a silver spoon up his nose.”
Dammit!
With apologies to Gov. Ann Richards, TBG’ll say it again :
“Poor little T-Rav… He can’t help it… He was born with a silver spoon up his nose.”
LMAO. How true.
Well put.
That was a honorable and honest thing to write, Will. Good for you.
1) Good for him and good for you on the drinking. Seriously. 2) That said, the rest of this is bullshit. Are you on his payroll? He doesn’t HAVE to pay you, sure, but does he? If you’re working for him and haven’t disclosed it, that’s BS by any standards. I’m not the only one who’s noticed the fawning he gets while everyone else gets lit to hell when they eff up. 3) HE’S ONLY NEWS AS A SCREW UP. He’d get crucified in a primary against Graham given his background and utter lack of genuine remorse. One whiff of “I renounce my citizenship,” and he couldn’t win Mount Pleasant dog catcher.
If there was a way to do it, TBG would renounce Miss Lindsey’s citizenship.
Props for T-Rav sticking with you and for your reciprocity, Will.
Blind loyalty is not necessarily a good thing.
You might want to talk with your sponsor about dry drunks.
Good for you, Will. I quit drinking on July 21, 2007. I haven’t had a drop since then. Life is much better.
You are to be commended for standing by your friend. He obviously has some redeeming qualities despite the publicity.
The other thing “Thomas Ravenel does” is lie…..no one refuses a breathalyzer test when they’ve only had one glass of wine and one beer that far apart, unless the one beer was a keg and the one glass of wine was served in a large mason jar.
no one refuses a breathalyzer test when they’ve only had one glass of wine and one beer that far apart,
TBG would.
You put to much faith in the system. Once (almost) burned, twice shy, Bogie.
Never, ever, ever take a breathalyzer. Ever. Unless you had nothing to drink. Then again, halitosis probably registers a 0.05.
Always refuse to blow. It’s a set-up. I routinely hear about cases where people “blew” a number that we were long ago taught would put you in the hospital (or morgue) with alcohol poisoning.
Blow a good name and a family’s fortune on drugs. Judge Anderson, in his sentencing of Ravenel, found that TRav wasn’t forthcoming and truthful. Further, TRav has been a self-righteous prick-victim since getting out of the clink. Now he’s running around with with a bobblehead doll who’s 30 years his junior and he’s doing reality TV. And $20 sez he’s got Will Folks on the payroll with all this slobbering, embarrassing PR he’s doing to try to make him seem viable and interesting, of which he’s neither.
“That’s what Thomas Ravenel does.”
When I quit drinking in 2006 one of the few friends who stood with me unconditionally and supported me was Thomas. He is a friend of mine, and I stand by him. Furthermore he doesn’t have to pay me a nickel for that loyalty. It is his for free. Having said that, when he makes news – good or bad – I cover it to the best of my ability in a manner consistent w/ what I believe. Because that’s my job. Don’t know what else you want from me dude …
He’s a waste of space Will, and by giving him any amount of the spotlight and favorable press, you’re complicit in the glorification of drugs abusers and drunk drivers. You should serve him up with the same mocking tone that you treated the Ted Vick DUIs. Instead you pine after him, like some sort of deranged schoolgirl in love with the star quarterback. He’s a silver spoon baby with a severe case of arrested development, nothing more.
With apologies to Gov. Ann Richards, I’ll say it again :
“Poor little T-Rav… He can’t help it… He was born with a silver spoon up his nose.”
Dammit!
With apologies to Gov. Ann Richards, TBG’ll say it again :
“Poor little T-Rav… He can’t help it… He was born with a silver spoon up his nose.”
LMAO. How true.
Well put.
That was a honorable and honest thing to write, Will. Good for you.
1) Good for him and good for you on the drinking. Seriously. 2) That said, the rest of this is bullshit. Are you on his payroll? He doesn’t HAVE to pay you, sure, but does he? If you’re working for him and haven’t disclosed it, that’s BS by any standards. I’m not the only one who’s noticed the fawning he gets while everyone else gets lit to hell when they eff up. 3) HE’S ONLY NEWS AS A SCREW UP. He’d get crucified in a primary against Graham given his background and utter lack of genuine remorse. One whiff of “I renounce my citizenship,” and he couldn’t win Mount Pleasant dog catcher.
If there was a way to do it, TBG would renounce Miss Lindsey’s citizenship.
Props for T-Rav sticking with you and for your reciprocity, Will.
Blind loyalty is not necessarily a good thing.
You might want to talk with your sponsor about dry drunks.
Good for you, Will. I quit drinking on July 21, 2007. I haven’t had a drop since then. Life is much better.
You are to be commended for standing by your friend. He obviously has some redeeming qualities despite the publicity.
The other thing “Thomas Ravenel does” is lie…..no one refuses a breathalyzer test when they’ve only had one glass of wine and one beer that far apart, unless the one beer was a keg and the one glass of wine was served in a large mason jar.
no one refuses a breathalyzer test when they’ve only had one glass of wine and one beer that far apart,
TBG would.
You put to much faith in the system. Once (almost) burned, twice shy, Bogie.
Never, ever, ever take a breathalyzer. Ever. Unless you had nothing to drink. Then again, halitosis probably registers a 0.05.
Always refuse to blow. It’s a set-up. I routinely hear about cases where people “blew” a number that we were long ago taught would put you in the hospital (or morgue) with alcohol poisoning.
You’re a real dick, Ravenel.
You only admitted to your drug use when you got caught. Admitting you ducked a breathalyzer test to avoid a potential DWI charge would likely land your ass in jail anyways. Furthermore, a stance on legalization of recreational drug use is something that is at least socially acceptable to a good portion of the population. No one backs drunk driving. Drunk driving kills people and is morally reprehensible; it is by no means a moral gray area.
No, what you did is pretty obvious. Just as any other SC politico knows to do, you refused a breathalyzer test. In SC this is pretty much a slam dunk for the defense, in NY, it doesn’t go without punishment. Boo hoo. Suck it up and stop giving us this bogus crap.
Since you’ve renounced your citizenship, let me know when you plan on leaving the country. I’ll be the first one at the door to help you pack your bags.
While no one backs “drunk driving”, we could probably debate what constitutes “drunk driving.”
I know some teetotalers that I wouldn’t think of riding with. I also know people that I wouldn’t think twice about riding with even if their BAC was north of .10.
In an ideal world, there would be a way to test driving skills and capabilities on the roadside.
TBG doesn’t care what the person’s BAC is, when he or she runs a stoplight and T-bones his Prius*. Also irrelevant is how much sleep they have had, whether they were arguing with someone (on the phone, a passenger, or kids in the backseat). TGB (except in the case of unforeseen seizures etc.) believes that everyone should be held responsible for their own driving.
*Y’all know better.
So is the 3rd person referral going to be an ongoing thing now or just for T-Rav posts?
Drunk driving is one of those things that only the little people suffer from…the people that matter don’t worry too much about it. Just ask the drunk driving judges, legislature, T-bone Benjamin, etc.
If you aren’t one of the important people and doing it and you’re caught you are screwed…you might as well be black and carrying crack for all that matters.(and not important)
TBG has been trying to do it for a couple weeks, since one of the “our founding editor” posts. Unfortunately, like Bob Dole, TBG ain’t as young as he used to be and suffers from occasional inconsistency.*
* Yes, “inconsistency” is the word TBG meant to use…..
I can’t figure out of a mildly annoyed or amused…maybe it’s both?
What a strange feeling.
edit: “if I’m mildly annoyed”
You don’t see the “edit”, either?
Thomas has the number of every single SCGOPer politician – and, I bet it is virtually every SCGOP office holder in the state – who snorted coke at his parties and they don’t have the guts to tell him to shut up and sit down.
You’re a real dick, Ravenel.
You only admitted to your drug use when you got caught. Admitting you ducked a breathalyzer test to avoid a potential DWI charge would likely land your ass in jail anyways. Furthermore, a stance on legalization of recreational drug use is something that is at least socially acceptable to a good portion of the population. No one backs drunk driving. Drunk driving kills people and is morally reprehensible; it is by no means a moral gray area.
No, what you did is pretty obvious. Just as any other SC politico knows to do, you refused a breathalyzer test. In SC this is pretty much a slam dunk for the defense, in NY, it doesn’t go without punishment. Boo hoo. Suck it up and stop giving us this bogus crap.
Since you’ve renounced your citizenship, let me know when you plan on leaving the country. I’ll be the first one at the door to help you pack your bags.
EDIT: From the Post and Courier:
Ravenel said he was taken to the police station for another test, but in the interim, he called his attorney in South Carolina to seek legal advice. That advice was not to take another test.
Ravenel said in hindsight, he should have rejected that advice because by that time, he figured he had sobered up some and would have passed a second test.
http://www.postandcourier.com/article/20130723/PC16/130729783/1177/thomas-ravenel-i-was-not-drunk
I wasn’t drunk, but maybe I had sobered up after quite some time since being pulled over, so I could then prove I wasn’t drunk anymore, which would have somehow meant I never drove drunk, or something.
Yeah, whatever. Ted Vick says check your shoe for pebbles.
While no one backs “drunk driving”, we could probably debate what constitutes “drunk driving.”
I know some teetotalers that I wouldn’t think of riding with. I also know people that I wouldn’t think twice about riding with even if their BAC was north of .10.
In an ideal world, there would be a way to test driving skills and capabilities on the roadside.
TBG doesn’t care what the person’s BAC is, when he or she runs a stoplight and T-bones his Prius*. Also irrelevant is how much sleep they have had, whether they were arguing with someone (on the phone, a passenger, or kids in the backseat). TGB (except in the case of unforeseen seizures etc.) believes that everyone should be held responsible for their own driving.
*Y’all know better.
So is the 3rd person referral going to be an ongoing thing now or just for T-Rav posts?
Drunk driving is one of those things that only the little people suffer from…the people that matter don’t worry too much about it. Just ask the drunk driving judges, legislature, T-bone Benjamin, etc.
If you aren’t one of the important people and doing it and you’re caught you are screwed…you might as well be black and carrying crack for all that matters.(and not important)
TBG has been trying to do it for a couple weeks, since one of the “our founding editor” posts. Unfortunately, like Bob Dole, TBG ain’t as young as he used to be and suffers from occasional inconsistency.*
* Yes, “inconsistency” is the word TBG meant to use…..
I can’t figure out of a mildly annoyed or amused…maybe it’s both?
What a strange feeling.
edit: “if I’m mildly annoyed”
You don’t see the “edit”, either?
Thomas has the number of every single SCGOPer politician – and, I bet it is virtually every SCGOP office holder in the state – who snorted coke at his parties and they don’t have the guts to tell him to shut up and sit down.
I have to take Ravenel’s side of this. I went to the Stephen Talkhouse when I last visited the Hamptons, saw The Breakfast Club play 80s music and when I left I was pretty sober. Of course, the $15 liquor drinks and the $10 beers made that choice for me. And when Howard Stern came in the door and drunkenly knocked my Amstel out of my hand, I knew it was time to go.
BTW, does Ravenel even have a job? Third Person McGee sure isn’t winning any friends playing polo and hanging out with some gold-digging skank while wearing more pastel than Liberace.
I have to take Ravenel’s side of this. I went to the Stephen Talkhouse when I last visited the Hamptons, saw The Breakfast Club play 80s music and when I left I was pretty sober. Of course, the $15 liquor drinks and the $10 beers made that choice for me. And when Howard Stern came in the door and drunkenly knocked my Amstel out of my hand, I knew it was time to go.
BTW, does Ravenel even have a job? Third Person McGee sure isn’t winning any friends playing polo and hanging out with some gold-digging skank while wearing more pastel than Liberace.
The best thing we could do for South Carolina, USA, planet Earth is to stop worrying at all about this piece of walking talking fecal matter.
The best thing we could do for South Carolina, USA, planet Earth is to stop worrying at all about this piece of walking talking fecal matter.
His “statement” indicates that he believes in home recreational drug use is ok. There are many laws I don’t agree with but I still have to abide by them. He needs to edit his “statement” more carefully. We can’t trust an addict with pulic money or policy. Go away Tommy Boy!
*public money*
Why does no one notice the “edit” opportunity that appears every time they post a comment?
His “statement” indicates that he believes in home recreational drug use is ok. There are many laws I don’t agree with but I still have to abide by them. He needs to edit his “statement” more carefully. We can’t trust an addict with pulic money or policy. Go away Tommy Boy!
*public money*
Why does no one notice the “edit” opportunity that appears every time they post a comment?
Wonder what his gig will be? Getting laid on the steps of the US Capital wait that gig has already been done. Forget about this obnoxious POS.
Wonder what his gig will be? Getting laid on the steps of the US Capital wait that gig has already been done. Forget about this obnoxious POS.
Nobody is ever guilty of DUI prior to their court date.
Nobody is ever guilty of DUI prior to their court date.
You mean that you “Took Responsibility for my actions” because you got freaking CONVICTED! Grow the Fuck Up and act your goddamn age!
You mean that you “Took Responsibility for my actions” because you got freaking CONVICTED! Grow the Fuck Up and act your goddamn age!
Who handles this guy’s PR? By the way, How are you a reality star before your show hits the air?
Who handles this guy’s PR? By the way, How are you a reality star before your show hits the air?
If he was not drunk, what accounted for his “erratic” driving? Time to bring the pole dancing Miz Dennis to the stand.
If he was not drunk, what accounted for his “erratic” driving? Time to bring the pole dancing Miz Dennis to the stand.
Polo? Seriously?
Yes, polo…but it’s the version that’s played in South America…where everyone is riding drug mules.
@TK – Polo is a great sport. It happens to be associated with an affluent crowd. Do you have “class envy”?
He was one of the horses.
Polo? Seriously?
Yes, polo…but it’s the version that’s played in South America…where everyone is riding drug mules.
@TK – Polo is a great sport. It happens to be associated with an affluent crowd. Do you have “class envy”?
He was one of the horses.
Fits is like the Redneck TMZ.
Fits is like the Redneck TMZ.
What a dumbass- the line is “Crab Cakes and Football- that’s what Maryland does!”
What a dumbass- the line is “Crab Cakes and Football- that’s what Maryland does!”
He probably swerved because that skank katherine dennis was blowing him and doing coke off his thigh. she’s been tweeting for days how she just loooooves the #pololife #hamptons #oldmen #horsedicks. what a vapid waste of oxygen those 2 are!
jealous, are ya’?
He probably swerved because that skank katherine dennis was blowing him and doing coke off his thigh. she’s been tweeting for days how she just loooooves the #pololife #hamptons #oldmen #horsedicks. what a vapid waste of oxygen those 2 are!
jealous, are ya’?
So much talent… Completely wasted.
So much talent… Completely wasted.
He should be happy he didn’t kill someone.
He should be happy he didn’t kill someone.
Why not take the Breathalyzer?
Why not take the Breathalyzer?
Weiner Continues Sexting During Apology
NEW YORK (The Borowitz Report) — New York City mayoral candidate Anthony Weiner stirred controversy today by continuing to send dirty texts throughout a press conference devoted to apologizing for his behavior.
Mr. Weiner was halfway through his apology when reporters noticed him remove a phone from his pocket and aim its camera lens unmistakably in the direction of his pants.
After seeing the candidate snap a photo of the pants region and then send a text, reporters bombarded Mr. Weiner with questions, asking him if he had in fact just sexted.
“Yes, I did, but I swear this was the last time,” he said. “This behavior is now behind me.”
Mr. Weiner then concluded his press conference by removing his shirt and snapping a quick shot of his naked torso.
According to the latest New York City poll, Mr. Weiner still has a commanding lead among voters who describe themselves as pervs.
Weiner Continues Sexting During Apology
NEW YORK (The Borowitz Report) — New York City mayoral candidate Anthony Weiner stirred controversy today by continuing to send dirty texts throughout a press conference devoted to apologizing for his behavior.
Mr. Weiner was halfway through his apology when reporters noticed him remove a phone from his pocket and aim its camera lens unmistakably in the direction of his pants.
After seeing the candidate snap a photo of the pants region and then send a text, reporters bombarded Mr. Weiner with questions, asking him if he had in fact just sexted.
“Yes, I did, but I swear this was the last time,” he said. “This behavior is now behind me.”
Mr. Weiner then concluded his press conference by removing his shirt and snapping a quick shot of his naked torso.
According to the latest New York City poll, Mr. Weiner still has a commanding lead among voters who describe themselves as pervs.
I need a drink.
I need a drink.
Oh my effing gawd…he’s actually referring to himself in third person now. Jesus, he’s finally gone ’round the bend! No rational person would refuse a breath test IF they’d consumed two drinks over several hours. NO ONE (not even Ted Vick’s attorney is that stupid). A .03 on the Datamaster is a pretty damn good defense against a DUI beef in any state. Ravenel appears not only to be a giant douche with an outsized sense of self worth and importance, but can add old fashioned liar to his ever growing list of apparent attributes. Luckily, his budding “reality TV” career will soon catapult him to the zip code where he belongs: full-on political irrelevance. Can’t wait!
Oh my effing gawd…he’s actually referring to himself in third person now. Jesus, he’s finally gone ’round the bend! No rational person would refuse a breath test IF they’d consumed two drinks over several hours. NO ONE (not even Ted Vick’s attorney is that stupid). A .03 on the Datamaster is a pretty damn good defense against a DUI beef in any state. Ravenel appears not only to be a giant douche with an outsized sense of self worth and importance, but can add old fashioned liar to his ever growing list of apparent attributes. Luckily, his budding “reality TV” career will soon catapult him to the zip code where he belongs: full-on political irrelevance. Can’t wait!
“I took Responsibility for my actions.”
How exactly did Thomas Ravenel do that? While sitting in his office in Columbia was he suddenly struck by the realization he had broken numerous drug laws and turn himself in? And how exactly did he “make it right”? Did he offer to reimburse the taxpayers for the cost of the election?
“While I have never believed recreational drug use within one’s home to be something worthy of criminalization…”
When will Thomas Ravenel tell us what actions he thinks are worthy of criminalization? Are all drugs OK, so long as we are in our homes. How about getting them to our homes? Is transporting them in the privacy of our cars ok? And what to you mean in the privacy of ones own home? Should it be a crime if you do it in the privacy of a friends home, or your parent’s home? How about transporting it to a friend’s home for him to use? Is that ok?
Please enlighten us.
“I took Responsibility for my actions.”
How exactly did Thomas Ravenel do that? While sitting in his office in Columbia was he suddenly struck by the realization he had broken numerous drug laws and turn himself in? And how exactly did he “make it right”? Did he offer to reimburse the taxpayers for the cost of the election?
“While I have never believed recreational drug use within one’s home to be something worthy of criminalization…”
When will Thomas Ravenel tell us what actions he thinks are worthy of criminalization? Are all drugs OK, so long as we are in our homes. How about getting them to our homes? Is transporting them in the privacy of our cars ok? And what to you mean in the privacy of ones own home? Should it be a crime if you do it in the privacy of a friends home, or your parent’s home? How about transporting it to a friend’s home for him to use? Is that ok?
Please enlighten us.
http://www.postandcourier.com/article/20130723/PC16/130729783/1177/thomas-ravenel-i-was-not-drunk
Mug shot of Thomas Ravenel from his July 22, 2013 arrest on a drunken driving charge.
Provided / East Hampton Village (NY) police.
Thomas, we’re so proud of you, mingling at the Hamptons with movie stars and Wall Street bankers. You’ve “arrived”!
http://www.postandcourier.com/article/20130723/PC16/130729783/1177/thomas-ravenel-i-was-not-drunk
Mug shot of Thomas Ravenel from his July 22, 2013 arrest on a drunken driving charge.
Provided / East Hampton Village (NY) police.
Thomas, we’re so proud of you, mingling at the Hamptons with movie stars and Wall Street bankers. You’ve “arrived”!
Love the people defending this guy. He’s not some college kid, he’s freaking 50 years old. GROW UP
Love the people defending this guy. He’s not some college kid, he’s freaking 50 years old. GROW UP