Kumar Barve Democrat Drunk Driver Update

Luiz Simmons, the Democratic delegate from District 17 who distinguished himself during the General Assembly's special session by standing up to his tax-, spending-, and slots-mad Democratic colleagues, is on the verge of squandering those credits by serving as House Minority Leader Kumar Barve's attorney. It has been suggested by some on the internet that this is an attempt to intimidate the judge and jury, should a trial be held. That argument has merit. A new detail is that Barve and Gaithersburg Assistant City Manager, Fred Felton, used city police cars as personal limousines!! So while crimes are being committed, police officers are being forced to shuttle Kumar Barve and Fred Felton all over town. "Where to next, Your Excellency?"

How can anyone justify or excuse Mr. Barve's outrageous, dangerous behavior?

Again, where is Bill Bronrott's condemnation of Barve? Mr. Bronrott has claimed drunk driving is a serious issue. By not condeming Mr. Barve's actions, Mr. Bronrott is giving him a free pass if not a solid endorsement. If we do not hear public comment from Mr. Bronrott soon, he will have lost all credibility on the drunk driving issue.

Mr. Barve himself has no shame. Unlike other public personalities arrested on similar charges, who have released self-critical statements and apologized for their behavior, Mr. Barve is shameless: his only public statement since his arrest has been "I don't care to comment on this." Barve's disgraceful behavior is only compounded by his arrogance and belief that he is above the law.

And what of the law? Barve and many of his fellow Democrats in Maryland believe they can pick and choose which laws to obey, and which to ignore. If caught, they will use power and intimidation to escape the consequences ordinary citizens would face. Barve and others have another powerful tool: The Post-Gazette Democrat Protection Program. The Post has been dead silent on the Barve arrest. The Gazette has hidden a mild report in only some editions of the paper today. It is shameful, and unethical, but certainly no surprise from the premier house organs of the Democratic Party.

I cannot emphasize enough the fact that Barve refused to take the court-admissable Breathalyzer test. That is arrogance, ladies and gentlemen. If he was above-board, he would have taken the test. Barve's keen knowledge of how to manipulate the laws he himself is sworn to uphold was on brazen display. He believes - knows, almost - that you, the voter, are simply too stupid to remember this drunk-driving episode and disdain for the law in 2010. Prove him wrong at the ballot box.