opinion
Pennsylvania State Rep. Kevin Boyle (D) was caught on video appearing heavily intoxicated and engaging in a verbal altercation with customers and employees at a bar in Montgomery County.
Boyle was reportedly fired from Gaul & Co. Malt House in Rockledge, Pennsylvania, but not before it literally played the “do you know who I am” card with employees late last week.
“By the way, I can finish this tape, I will finish this tape if I want to,” the Democrat can be heard shouting. “You're all messing with holes by the way.”
However, the Democrat wasn't about to finish, as he could be heard making more threats and calling staffers “idiots,” “traitors” and “idiots.”
Boyle also accused the bartenders of being military agents and suggested he could prevent them from getting promotions in the armed forces.
“That's too aggressive, you can't talk to me like that, I'll shut down your damn bar!” He shouted on his way out the door. “This tape is over, do you know who I am?”
Breaking news:
Democratic PA State Rep. Kevin Boyle is seen on video DRUNK TIRADE at a bar threatening to use his political power to shut down local businesses
Kevin also goes on to accuse the bartenders of being military agents
This allegedly happened earlier… pic.twitter.com/1eGiNUwBx9
– PhillyCrimeUpdate (@PhillyCrimeUpd) February 9, 2024
RELATED: Andrew Cuomo personally called and threatened bars and restaurants for not social distancing
PA Democrats apologize for Rep. Kevin Boyle's drunken outburst
Reports indicate that the bouncer at the bar in question had to call 911 on Boyle when he began threatening to beat up his female employees.
At one semi-amusing point in the video, Boyle appears to have a brief moment of clarity and wants to make sure he pays his bill before leaving.
“Did you pay my bill?” Asked. “I don't want to be an idiot, but I don't want to be an a-hole.”
Congratulations – you both! Honestly, that would make a really good campaign slogan then.
At least he didn't shame any family member who might have a stake in their public appearances with his antics. Oh wait, he's actually the brother of US Representative Brendan Boyle, who is also a Democrat.
RELATED: Democratic Rep. Steve Cohen criticizes Super Bowl fans for not standing during 'Negro National Anthem'
What's worse?
Democratic Rep. Boyle was instructed by the responding police officer that he was now prohibited from entering the bar. Democratic leaders in the Pennsylvania House of Representatives issued a statement on the issue.
“We are aware of a video circulating on social media. It is deeply disturbing. Rep. Boyle has been open about his personal challenges,” a spokesperson for the group wrote. “We are encouraged that our dear colleague and friend is asking for help.”
“Our commitment to providing mental health services does not stop at the Capitol’s steps,” they continue. “One of the main reasons we advocate so strongly for access to mental health is the fact that challenges can happen to anyone, and seeking treatment should be encouraged, not stigmatized.”
I wonder if they would be rooting for the Republican state representative the same way if they were caught on video acting that way.
Just last summer, Boyle co-sponsored legislation expanding access to mental health medications.
As a New Yorker, I can't help but think this incident is less sinister than disgraced former New York Governor Andrew Cuomo when he literally threatened bars to go out of business over lack of social distancing, which has since been proven to be bogus. Ways to stop the spread of the Corona virus.
Indeed, he called them and threatened them. By his own admission. Cuomo stated that he himself called “a couple of bars and restaurants when I saw pictures of their stands” and “said, 'You're playing with your friends.' [liquor] license.'”
The difference is that Cuomo was sober, making threats for months on end, and an act You have the ability to follow up.
Kevin Boyle may have been acting like an “idiot” and “an a**hole” in his own words, but at least he sobered up the next day.
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