U.S. Rep. Trey Radel (R-Florida) was charged this week with cocaine possession stemming from an October 29 arrest in Washington, D.C.
“I struggle with the disease of alcoholism, and this led to an extremely irresponsible choice,” the freshman lawmaker said in a statement. “Believe me, I am disappointed in myself, and I stand ready to face the consequences of my actions.”
“However, this unfortunate event does have a positive side: It offers me an opportunity to seek treatment and counseling,” Radel continued. “As the father of a young son and a husband to a loving wife, I need to get help so I can be a better man for both of them.”
Um … okay.
If convicted of the misdemeanor charge, Radel could face up to 180 days in prison and a fine of up to $1,000.
Radel was supported by Tea Party groups in 2012 against the GOP establishment choice, Chauncy Goss – son of former CIA chieftain Porter Goss.
Ironically Radel – a former TV news man and conservative radio host – supported legislation last year aimed at giving judges additional flexibility on drug sentencing (one of only a handful of Republicans to do so).
Guess he’ll now get to see first-hand how that system works …
Obviously this website’s position on recreational drug use is clear: We support it. Radel should be allowed to snort cocaine to his heart’s content … or until his heart explodes (whichever comes first). That’s his choice as a free American.
Of course free Americans are also able to determine whether someone with an acknowledged substance abuse problem should hold higher office …
18 comments
Ironically Radel – a former TV news man and conservative radio host – supported legislation last year aimed at giving judges additional flexibility on drug sentencing (one of only a handful of Republicans to do so).
If this means what TBG thinks it does….kudos to Rep. Radel.
TBG also favors drug re-legalization but holds politicians, judges, and police (that have not previously and publicly announced pro-legalization leanings) that get busted, in utter contempt.
True irony is the fact that the politician most in favor of re-legalizing drugs [RON PAUL!] is also the one that (at least in TBG’s opinion) is the least likely to have used them.
Hell fire. Maybe that’s the ticket. Elect all current drug users and maybe we can finally end this ridiculous ‘war’ on freedom.
“However, this unfortunate event does have a positive side: It offers me an opportunity to seek treatment and counseling,” Radel continued…
TBG believes the “opportunity” was always there, even before you got busted, Jack.
*TBG loathes political drivel like this*
How do you say…’lips are moving.’ Hmmm.
Unfortunately, for most drug addicts, it takes getting caught to get them to counseling and treatment.
Let’s grow up – He’s a Republican. Are you going to start raising your expectations NOW?
He’s likely rich, so he won’t really experience what the system is like. The poor are often the biggest victims of the war on drugs.
TBG expects him to renounce his citizenship and announce his libertarianism in 3…2…1…
Maybe Radel and Obama can get together and exchange tips.
Obama: “No, no, no, you are over cooking it, you pass the flame lightly back and forth while inhaling.”
Radel: “Like this?”
Obama: “Jesus, what is this? Amateur hour? Give me the fucking pipe.”
You got it so wrong, replace Rob Ford with Obama. At least Ford is up to date on his crack smoking technique, whereas Obama has been out of the game for so long that he’d mess that up too,just like everything else he touches!!!!!!
He needs to be removed. He can not stand on his own two feet!
It’s amazing how real House of Cards is.
So much for conservationism. Typical. Do as I say, not as I do.
He’s pulling a Rob Ford: I did cocaine because I was so drunk….
Friend of Thomas Ravenel?
Man was smart enough to become a Congressman so that taxpayers could buy his booze,his drugs and pay for his rehab……..give him some credit.
In other words, he’s a typical Republican.
Don’t know if that makes him smart. But, it sure makes him a maggot on the taxpayers.
Wow, the good old tried and true Bob Ford excuse. Well played. For the short term.
Wait, what’s that? Ford’s reality show has already been cancelled? How is Ravenel’s doing? Gotta hold out some hope for this guy SOMEWHERE.