Guest Commentary: Rep. Radel Should “Donate” to Taxpayers

(Lisa M. Hazlett is a guest blogger and the President of Hazlett Consulting in Florida) While I support the legalization of drugs because of over criminalization, it is currently against the law to buy cocaine. Rep. Trey Radel (R-Fla.) pled guilty and was given one year probation.  As “punishment,” he will seek treatment at a rehab facility.

I am appalled by the obvious pass handed down by the judge and by Rep. Radel’s arrogant decision to accept his salary for a leave of absence during which he will be treated for cocaine addiction. Most people, given the same circumstances, would receive a much harsher sentence and likely not receive compensation during a jail or rehab stay.  Further, it is an abuse of taxpayer dollars for Rep. Radel to donate to charity the salary given to him by the hardworking people of Florida.

Rep. Radel, or any member of Congress, should not receive any special consideration or lenience just because he is an elected official.  Moreover, he (and they) should not be paid with taxpayer money for any time out of service as a result of committing a crime.

The fact is that all elected officials are public servants who should be held accountable by the people who elected them. The government serves the people, not vice versa.  The People should demand that Rep. Radel decline his salary during his treatment and return the taxpayer dollars to the Treasury rather than donating it to charity.