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Paladino Calls Paterson A "Drug Addict"
By
Jen Chung
Published Jun 24, 2010
Modified Jun 24, 2010
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By
Jen Chung
Published Jun 24, 2010
Modified Jun 24, 2010
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NY gubernatorial candidate and Tea Party fave Carl Paladino threw down an interesting, inflammatory accusation today—that Governor David Paterson is an drug addict. He told the editorial board of the Watertown Times that Paterson is a "drug addict; he’s been a drug addict his entire life."
You may recall that shortly after being sworn in, Governor Paterson admitted to using marijuana and cocaine during an interview with Dominic Carter on NY1. When Carter asked, "You have used cocaine governor?", Paterson said, "I'd say I was about 22-23. I tried it a few times, yes." Paladino's spokesman later clarified:
On Wednesday at a meeting in Watertown, Carl Paladino referred to Gov. David Paterson as a drug addict. Carl was referring to the Governor's admitted use of cocaine, a highly addictive narcotic that ruins lives. As anyone who ever fought to help a habitual cocaine user will tell you, once you are an addict, you are always an addict. It is a constant fight to stay clean and productive in daily life.
Illegal drug abuse is not a small issue and cocaine abuse is one of the most troubling addictions. If the Governor is no longer using cocaine, then good for him, good for his family and good for the State of New York. But once you are an addict, you are always an addict. And if the Albany ruling elite is okay with present or past drug use among their political leaders, they need to know that the vast majority of New York is not.
Unlike any other candidate for Governor or our present chief executive, Carl Paladino has never used marijuana, cocaine or any other illegal drug. The Office of the Governor is no place for drug abusers - and Carl is not one of them.
Carl is not politically correct. Carl tells it like it is. And if this is uncomfortable talk for the Albany crowd, they should buckle their seat belts because this will not be the last offense of their delicate sensibilities.
Remember, Paladino may like to forward racist and other risque emails to friends, but that doesn't make him a racist, you know?
Tagged
addiction
carl paladino
cocaine
drug addict
drugs
Governor David Paterson
governor paterson
marijuana
Jen Chung
Jen Chung is a former WNYC and Gothamist editor.
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Gothamist is funded by sponsors and member donations
Gothamist is funded by sponsors and member donations
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