Posted on 11/20/2013 2:22:10 AM PST by SoFloFreeper
Rep. Trey Radel, a Freshman Republican Congressman from Florida, hasapologized to his constituents today, sincehe hasbeen charged with misdemeanor cocaine possession.
Radel was arrested back on Oct. 29 in Washington, D.C. According to MSNBC, he was in D.C. Superior Court Tuesdayandwill have another court appearance Wednesday morning. Ifhe’sconvicted, he could be sentenced to 180 days in jail and a fine up to $1,000.
“I'm profoundly sorry to let down my family, particularly my wife and son, andthepeople of Southwest Florida,” Redel said in a statement, reports CNN. “I struggle with the disease of alcoholism,and this led to an extremely irresponsible choice. As thefather 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.”
Radel, a former journalist, did not say he would resign, instead that he hopes to set an example for others dealing with addiction. “I know I have a problem and will do whatever is necessary to overcome it, hopefully setting an example for others struggling with this disease,” he said.
(Excerpt) Read more at thecelebritycafe.com ...
What part does forgiveness have in your ethic?
I am willing to give the guy a chance to redeem himself and let the voters decide...there is no evidence that he is unrepentant and defiant...he is not taking the Gerry Studds/Bill Clinton/Barney Frank approach.
I do not advocate persistent and constant wicked behavior, but those who fall, especially if the offense is relatively minor, ought to be given a chance to straighten out.
As a Christian, I can forgive the man. And if he asks God for forgiveness and accepts Jesus into his life, God will also forgive him. However, as a representative in the highest position of government, he should resign immediately, get help for his addiction, and move on in his life in another direction. The Republican Party does not need to lower itself to the standards of the Democrat Party.
Everyone clamors for drug tests for welfare recipients. How about drug tests for all elected officials? They are the real welfare recipients.
I just figured He was making a delivery run Marion Berry...
and was “rat”ed out for political purposes.
Stated perfectly. He should be OUT on his ass, sorry or not. If he gets replaced by a Dem, then we lose there, but he's a moron and not fit to lead.
Agreed. You apologize for an unintended consequence or for something that was no fault of your own and you might have been expected to stop it in retrospect. One is not "sorry" when they're doing something they thought they'd get away with....they're caught.
Even if he is a true conservative, he should've been smart enough to look around and see how many pols are obviously compromised. He should've not run, but instead supported a candidate who would not embarrass constitutional conservative momentum.
At this point, he probably can't be blackmailed for his (if it's now former) drug habit. Maybe he could finish his term with dignity and vote like a true conservative....and be part of finding a constitutional conservative replacement for the next election.
I read somewhere he supported the Dream Act. How conservative can he really be?
He justhasto change his party affiliation todemocrat and all willbeforgiven.
they are on the government dole, it is disgusting
part of the original thought was that the people that ran would be self supporting, not pigging out at the government trough
Take a look and see if there were any bills that the establishment wanted him to support but he refused to get on board with. No one is allowed near any position of power without first being thoroughly corrupted and subject to blackmail.
How would he vote on drug testing for members of Congress?
I'm sure he's truly sorry...that he got caught.
Because he values temporary pleasure over family, duty, principle and adherence to the law...
He is not worthy of trust, i.e. he is "untrustworthy".
Anyone ever heard of INTEGRITY?
Drew Carey defined a libertarian as a conservative who still gets high. Maybe he just needs to switch parties?
Excellent question.
Excellent answer. He should resign immediately.
Wonderful. Enjoy the stench of defeat while the party that you are sooooo high above fundamentally transforms America right out from under your high horse. .
I am getting real sick and tired of you moral ninnies sabotaging conservatives for your own self satisfaction. The Dems succeed because they don’t throw their own under the bus.
On the public’s dime?
He needs to go home and straighten himself out.
Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.