Oh, An Intimidating Stocky Black Man! I Will Agree To Have Sex With Him!
Sounds like state Rep. Bob Allen, R-Merritt Island, should shut up more often. First, he was arrested, accused of offering $20 to an undercover officer in a men's room for sex. He says he's not guilty -- okeydoke by me. Innocent until proven guilty.
Next, he says the "people" certainly do not want him to resign and are counting on him to cling to office. I am just guessin' here but I doubt most of the "people" are really thrilled about him getting arrested and are withholding their judgment at the best.
Next, we learn that Allen tried to explain himself to police by saying he felt intimidated by a "stocky black guy" in the restroom (the officer) and thought that other "stocky black guys" in the area might be intending to rob him. Uh, besides the fact that this pushes a nasty racial button, how does this explain his logic?
A: Oooh, I am afraid of these stocky black men!
B: Therefore, I will agree to have sex with one of them.
Allen told police after his arrest that it was the officer who initiated the transaction, which of course the police deny. Finally, according to the police report, Allen asked police whether his position as a state legislator would "help" his situation. Oh, I'm sure...
A: You are under arrest.
B: Would it help if I told you I was a state legislator?
A: Oh, my goodness! Of course. Our deepest apologies. You can go.
Like I said, innocent until proven guilty -- of the criminal charge. Innocent of being dumb is going to be the tougher challenge to prove, sounds like.
Welcome to TroxBlog, the web-home of columnist Howard Troxler, where he and readers discuss his column topics and current events. The goal here is to focus on the merits of issues, instead of personal attacks or knee-jerk partisanship.
Lol. That's all I have to say.
Posted by: | August 09, 2007 at 12:17 PM
Some people really should remember and take to heart the "you have the right to remain silent" part. How does the saying go? "Better to be silent and look a fool, than open ones mouth and remove all doubt."
Posted by: Karen | August 09, 2007 at 03:35 PM
Waaay too funny!! He was "afraid", that's why he offered to perform sexual acts for $20 on a man? I can believe it! What I can't believe is that he is still in office. I hope they put him behind bars with a SLEW of "stocky black men" that will give him exactly what he wants for FREE! How digusting that he would even use race as an excuse. He needs to just come out of the closet (or bathroom should I say).
Posted by: Gretchen | August 09, 2007 at 04:37 PM
Err yea thats the ticket...I was trying not to get beat up as I cruised the bathrooms in a dangerous park. That expalins it for me, how bout you?
NOT!!!!!!!!!
Posted by: Boo Boo | August 09, 2007 at 04:41 PM
But he was confident he would be cleared and said he hopes to continue his decades-long political career. And he looks forward to answering critics after the grand jury finishes its work.
"I'm not a real silent sufferer," he said. "To sit here and take it and not say anything back has been a hard thing for me to do. But we'll have our day."
Posted by: Bob | August 09, 2007 at 05:08 PM
ewwwww, hey, I like to get my freak on once in awhile... but offering oral sex to a dude in a public restroom? that's beyond creepy, this guy needs to resign his position, shut up, and save the public from his odd desires.
Posted by: Paul | August 10, 2007 at 10:36 AM
Is there some stupid pill they give politicians when they take office? Between Bob Allen and Jim Smith, I can't decide which is funnier (or more stupid). Howard, your job is so easy, are there any openings?
Posted by: Larry | August 10, 2007 at 11:05 AM
The fact of the matter is, Smith isn’t the guilty party in this situation. He was just looking for reparation.
Churuti, Spratt & members of his staff, and the entire BOCC (7-0 unanimous) approval are the ones guilty of ethics violations and dereliction of duty.
As for Allen... I'm saddened to say that this type of behavior by elected officials has become commonplace anymore. Having said that; it is we voters who continue to put them in office based on who has the largest campaign account, nicest campaign flyer, most billboards, sharpest suit, best consultant-written commercial – and yes – whomever the Times recommends. BTW, all the elected officials in Pinellas, currently involved in the Smith case… the Times recommended. Take the time to do your own research folks, the process – and our democracy – is deserving of it.
Posted by: Reality | August 10, 2007 at 01:57 PM
Mr. Allen was spending his own money albeit in an immoral way, Jim Smith is receiving taxpayers money for damages that supposedly occured several years ago, and at the same time he needed a down payment for a nearly half million dollar house. I agree he should not be in office but at least Mr. Allen was not ripping off taxpayers as Mr. Smith is.
Posted by: Don Mott | August 12, 2007 at 01:43 AM
How is this train getting off the track? People people people one at a time. Allen's little run in with the sex cops has nothing to do with the Smith fiasco. Unless I missed something, was Smith with Allen at the park? Did Allen have a questionable land deal? Geez now I'm confused, wheres my Zanex?
Posted by: Boo Boo | August 12, 2007 at 07:20 AM
he claims if they were stocky white folk he would be just as frightened.
so iguess if the cop was whiteand there were some husky white guys outside playing football or something he would have been just as frightened maybe he should go play at the ywca or is he afraid of husky women also? maybe he should go live in a bubble where it is safe
Posted by: | August 12, 2007 at 09:52 AM