Leading by example is something people recommend as a good way to teach a lesson.
But sometimes instead of showing people what to do, leaders teach people what not to do.
It appears that is the kind of leadership Republican New York State Assemblyman Brian Kolb decided to use to make a point about drinking and driving.
Before the New Year, Kolb wrote a column in a local paper stating:
"There is no excuse for driving impaired this holiday season."
A few days later, Kolb attacked Democrats on Twitter claiming they were soft on crime. The next night the New York Assemblyman allegedly "drove off a road and into a ditch near his home and was arrested after flunking a breathalyzer test."
Kolb was charged with driving while under the influence (DWI) and making an illegal turn.
A week ago, the top Republican in the New York State Assembly, Brian Kolb, published a column warning against the d… https://t.co/0veLvA5G2Y— The New York Times (@The New York Times) 1577942404.0
GOP. Hypocrites. I used to have political differences with republicans including my husband. Now I have humanitarian differences. Legal differences. Constitutional differences. Logic differences. Fairness differences. I think healthy debate is important but the GOP is just toxic.
— Rising From the Ashes (@PipPezz) January 2, 2020
NY Republican Assembly Minority Leader Brian Kolb was charged last night for driving under the influence. About o… https://t.co/503pTa4iF1— Benjamin Rosenblatt (@Benjamin Rosenblatt) 1577899184.0
That's what you call a “hypocrite" 😂 #2020 pic.twitter.com/PQTEnJlxI2
— ROMMEL TRONCOSO ☠️ (@rommel_troncoso) January 2, 2020
@nytimes @PaulRieckhoff The rules apply to thee not to me.......— preising (@preising) 1577978179.0
Looks like this guy is taking the @mattgaetz approach to furthering his political career.
— 🍄rump's Penis (@TrumpsShroom) January 2, 2020
@nytimes Here we are in the center of the Republican soul ... the rules they support are for others to follow ... t… https://t.co/ONIiC26zHr— Inge Gjellesvik (@Inge Gjellesvik) 1577958814.0
The speech was for the little people that elected him. Republicans are above the law. Their leader has convinced them and proven it.
— SlowNSteady (@tammydressel) January 2, 2020
People had one word for Kolb.
And it wasn't just the Kolb's OpEd that got called out online.
To every single Republican state legislator that has purposefully spread fear and misinformation on bail reform: 1… https://t.co/x5DgIsIFIL— James Skoufis (@James Skoufis) 1577916579.0
There are legitimate issues with the reforms that deserve debate. And then there’s shameless fearmongering meant to… https://t.co/RC5cofLKRT— James Skoufis (@James Skoufis) 1577916580.0
Traditional Republican behavior. Preach water, drink wine.
— Journoman (@journo_star) January 2, 2020
@JamesSkoufis Call for Kolb's resignation! I honestly don't care if doing so will offend your donors, NY Republican… https://t.co/f7bImBcjAK— Anthony Seoane (@Anthony Seoane) 1577919145.0
@JamesSkoufis @bdhowald and also, getting picked up for suspected DUI after a crash strongly suggests previous DUIs… https://t.co/A1FDcdcQvQ— harlem medic emeritu (@harlem medic emeritu) 1577945386.0
Some offered suggestions for how the "throw the book at them" GOP should handle one of their own.
minimum five years mandatory probabtion, interlok device installed in vehicle plus 1000$ rental fee per month, twenty grand plus in lawyer and fines, weekend drug and alcohol counseling as well as 3 AA meetings a week. Thank you for sharing brian now feck off
— Team Hero LTD (@TeamHeroLtd) January 2, 2020
One of Kolb's fellow Republicans called on Kolb to step down as Minority Leader.
But they stopped short of calling for Kolb's resignation from office.
.@GOPLdrBrianKolb should step down as Assembly Minority Leader .That he hasn’t done so already is a disgrace. https://t.co/uXMZhxEqtC— Kieran Michael Lalor (@Kieran Michael Lalor) 1577896806.0
In response to the backlash, Kolb said in an official statement:
"There is no excuse and no justification for what occurred Tuesday evening. I made the wrong decision, and it is one I deeply regret."
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