Connect with us

Opinion

OP-ED: “Policy Pimping” – Hold Legislators Accountable

Published

on

By D. Demond King

Shouldn’t there be a requirement for legislators to adhere to the laws they make? Is it unreasonable to expect that elected officials be accountable for making good on the promises they make during their campaigns?

A recent Washington scandal involving a member of the house calls into question the issues of integrity and ethics among our lawmakers.

The recent arrest of Republican Florida State Representative Trey Radel on cocaine possession charges has three top Florida Republican leaders Lenny Curry, Terry Miller, and Mike Lyster calling for his resignation, according to a recent report in Politico magazine.

The GOP chairmen said in identical statements that if Radel ran again in 2014, he “would not enjoy [their] support.”

Radel, who represents Florida’s 19th Congressional District and voted in September for legislation that allow states to drug test food stamp recipients, was implicated in an October drug sting operation in the nation’s capital.

The 37-year-old conservative pleaded guilty to a misdemeanor drug possession charge in a D.C. Superior Court in November. He was sentenced to one year of probation with the condition that he will undergo substance abuse treatment.

While many state legislatures have considered bills similar to the controversial measures for which Radel voted in favor, the question of the fairness of such measures has been hotly contested and understandably so.

Radel is a self-proclaimed advocate for less government.

His website (http://www.treyradel.com/) quotes him saying, “I have fought for and will continue to fight for lower taxes, less government and more freedom.”

Couldn’t the argument be made that he has voted in favor of more intrusive government in at least one instance? Is it time to draw the line in relation to the promises our elected officials make and the behaviors they exhibit post-election?

D. Demond King is president of the Redemption Center. For more information about TRC, visit www.redeemedworld.org

Continue Reading
Click to comment

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Activism

Oakland Post: Week of March 20 – 26, 2024

The printed Weekly Edition of the Oakland Post: Week of March 20 – 26, 2024

Published

on

To enlarge your view of this issue, use the slider, magnifying glass icon or full page icon in the lower right corner of the browser window.

Continue Reading

Activism

Oakland Post: Week of March 13 – 19, 2024

The printed Weekly Edition of the Oakland Post: Week of March 13 – 19, 2024

Published

on

To enlarge your view of this issue, use the slider, magnifying glass icon or full page icon in the lower right corner of the browser window.

Continue Reading

Activism

Oakland Post: Week of March 6 – 12, 2024

The printed Weekly Edition of the Oakland Post: Week of March 6 – 12, 2024

Published

on

To enlarge your view of this issue, use the slider, magnifying glass icon or full page icon in the lower right corner of the browser window.

Continue Reading

Subscribe to receive news and updates from the Oakland Post

* indicates required

CHECK OUT THE LATEST ISSUE OF THE OAKLAND POST

ADVERTISEMENT

WORK FROM HOME

Home-based business with potential monthly income of $10K+ per month. A proven training system and website provided to maximize business effectiveness. Perfect job to earn side and primary income. Contact Lynne for more details: Lynne4npusa@gmail.com 800-334-0540

Facebook

Trending

Copyright ©2021 Post News Group, Inc. All Rights Reserved.