Pubdate: Wed, 15 Nov 2006
Source: Ledger, The (Lakeland, FL)
Copyright: 2006 The Ledger
Contact:  http://www.theledger.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/795
Author: Kevin D. Fish

DOUBLE STANDARD

Detention Deputy Lena Reeves of the Polk County Sheriff's Office 
appears to have abused prescription drugs and manipulated the people 
around her to support her addiction. She lost her job, her standing 
in the community and her dignity.

"Jelly Belly" Rush Limbaugh, on the other hand, abused prescription 
drugs and manipulated the people around him. He, however, gets to 
stay on the air, collect a big fat paycheck and continue to spew hatred.

Maj. Dale Tray, head of the Sheriff's Security Division, acknowledged 
a breakdown of command in the Reeves matter, recognized the "buck 
stops here" and resigned his position in disgrace.

House Speaker Dennis Hastert, on the other hand, refused to admit a 
breakdown of leadership in the Foley affair, gave lip service to the 
"buck stops here," and continued to duck and weave until after the 
mid-term elections. And, oh yes, he's still accepting his 
congressional paycheck.

What's wrong with this picture? Wake up folks, it's time to change. 
Turn off the TV/radio extremist hatemongers and think for yourselves.

Understand that with incumbency comes power; recognize that power 
corrupts and absolute power corrupts absolutely. Vote against those 
who have been in political office for more than two terms.

But most importantly, pay attention to your family, friends and co- 
workers, and recognize their calls for help. Don't enable, rather 
accept responsibility and do the right thing.

Kevin D. Fish

Lakeland
- ---
MAP posted-by: Beth Wehrman