Addict Politicians

[irisblue]

Last edited Fri Jan 3, 2014, 12:52 PM - Edit history (1)

The Republican Rep, Trey Radel is giving me some food for thought...Alcoholics and addicts in places of power like Congress or the Executive/Judiciary , I'd like to be supportive, yet his behaviors, pre and post recovery hurt lots of people. Any thoughts in this room?
:::and yes I realize I'm taking his inventory:::

[libodem]

1. This made me start thinking

(Yes, you smelled wood burning) And I have zero answers. So I went looking for my little day by day....One Day At A Time In Al-Anon. January 3rd is a pretty good one. I'm not sure how much I can quote. Under 4 paragraphs, right?

Why do I waste my precious time and energy trying to figure out what makes an alcoholic drink ------why he doesn't consider his family, his obligations, his reputation? All I need to know is that he suffers from a disease------ alcoholism, the compulsion to drink. Why shouldn't I have compassion for him and his illness when I am so ready to feel sorry for people who have other diseases? Do I blame them? Why do I blame him? Can I cure him by reproaching him? Can I look onto his heart and realize the true nature of his sufferings?

Today's reminder

The fact that I am the spouse, child, parent, or friend of an alcoholic does not give me the right to try to control him. I can only make the situation worse by treating him like an irresponsible naughty child.

[NMDemDist2]

2. there is a difference IMHO between 'being in recovery' and being a member of a 12 step fellowship

the 12 step fellowships' traditions clearly state 'we have no opinion on outside issues' and 'we do not engage in any controversy, neither endorse or oppose any causes'

again in my humble opinion, he has no business writing legislation to drug test poor people without ensuring there is a well funded treatment option attached.

that being said, i heard a speaker in my early days who was a State Supreme Court justice, the former governor of Texas (Ann Richards) and i'm sure many others are sober alcoholics and addicts.

[Old Codger]

3. Differences

A lot of them jump into "rehab" as they choose to call it. In my opinion anyway it is a cop-out hideaway for pols and Hollywood stars, some hiding from people some attempting to hide from themselves. From what I have seen so far it is their way of avoiding facing the consequences of their actions, he won't resign and will now pretend to be in "recovery" until next time anyway...

On the other hand if he or any of them are truly admitted alcoholics/drug addicts and are actually doing a serious program I would give them as much credit as I give any other recovering addict ..... But for the most part they end up making a mockery of rehab.

[cally]

4. I try to separate my disdain for him politically

and the actions he takes from my compassion for him as an addict/alcoholic. I was appalled at much of the commentary on DU about his disease but he should be fully accountable for his votes and hypocrisy.