Rehab: The Last Refuge of a Scoundrel

So today we hear that disgraced Representative Mark Foley has made arrangements to go into rehab. "I strongly believe that I am an alcoholic and have accepted the need for immediate treatment for alcoholism and other behavioral problems," Foley said in a statement released Monday through his attorney.

Can we just call a spade a spade here? First of all, he isn't "seeking treatment" - he is hiding from the press and the public, and he is laying the groundwork for a criminal defense strategy he will most certainly need. All these jokers go to rehab when they get caught in malfeasance. All. Of. Them. So pardon my cynicism, but I ain't buying it any more. Peddle those wares elsewhere.

And by the way - alcohol does not cause homosexuality, and it does not cause pedophilia. It lowers inhibitions, but it can not change ones basic make-up. That is there no matter what.

He isn't "seeking treatment" for an addiction - perhaps he is seeking treatment for his disgraced reputation and blisters on his tootsies after his feet have been held to the fire. But I am not buying for a second the meme that he is recovering. By claiming he is, he thereby cheapens the recovery of the truly recovering substance abuser.

He is trying to find a scapegoat, any scapegoat, and alcohol is handy.