Check It out, Tulsa (7/4/2009 4:09:11 PM)

I appreciate his candor but while he is doing the hard work of getting his life together, don't the people of this state deserve to be represented in Washington? Please step aside so someone else can do the job you are being paid to do.

tweedles, tulsa (7/4/2009 4:14:57 PM)

God Bless him and his family.

Keep fighting John!

2ndjoyce, BA (7/4/2009 4:18:51 PM)

Wanting to be better
is the first great step, John.

Good luck to you!

Shirley S, (7/4/2009 4:32:39 PM)

I am honored to be represented by a man who is big enough to say he has a problem and is willing to get help! He has done a fine job of representing the people of Oklahoma Thank you for your honesty John...that speaks volumns about your character. Everyone is human...

spirit07, Tulsa (7/4/2009 4:44:02 PM)

John, glad you got help. Though I don't agree with your99% Bush voting record. Why does my beloved Tulsa keep electing you. I wish you would go away!

Bullhead, Nicut (7/4/2009 4:46:54 PM)

Even though I don't believe his explanation for taking this step, I'm glad he took it. But first, quit lying to yourself John and it will be easier to follow through with the rest of your sober life. God bless you and your family. I pray you can do it.

Tony G, Tulsa (7/4/2009 5:00:21 PM)

An honorable man, would step down, knowing his condition has compromised his effectiveness.

Bill Paddock, (7/4/2009 5:09:27 PM)

I look forward to reading the entire article but based on this, I have great respect for John Sullivan. He certainly shows more integrity than most of the people leaving comments here.

tfromtulsa, Tulsa (7/4/2009 5:21:38 PM)

Grand Old Partier - But it's a sign of character when a Democrat admits they have an addiction. You know the rules.

jess, (7/4/2009 5:22:37 PM)

Wish Obama would admit he is an egomaniac and go somewhere to get some treatment for it.

tfromtulsa, Tulsa (7/4/2009 5:23:07 PM)

TonyG - Are you saying the Kennedys were not honorable men?

TK1, (7/4/2009 5:48:09 PM)

The step aside crowd is the same bunch that promised a big scandal story after the first announcement. If you want to throw every senator and representative out of office that is currently out on medical leave, you've got a big job ahead of you. While you're at it, you might put a requirement in that if you're running for a higher office (like presidency) then you need to step down from Congress, too. Wouldn't that be the honorable thing to do, Tony?

NOT JADED, Tulsa (7/4/2009 5:48:42 PM)

GOP- You mean his own party supported him. Shocking.

tfromtulsa, Tulsa (7/4/2009 6:01:45 PM)

Ayo - I'm sure he'll be crushed to hear that, since your opinion is probably so important to him.

tfromtulsa, Tulsa (7/4/2009 6:05:40 PM)

Thanks, Buster. I do what I can.

tfromtulsa, Tulsa (7/4/2009 6:14:37 PM)

You, too, Buster! Happy 4th to everyone!

Graybeard, Tulsa (7/4/2009 6:30:31 PM)

I'm not a Sullivan fan, but would hope he is announcing his weakness and therapy for the right reasons and doesn't have a skeleton coming out of the closet.
Chickens that get out usually come home to roost.

heynow, (7/4/2009 6:50:09 PM)

Yet another Republican hypocrite.

TtownTimmy, (7/4/2009 6:51:57 PM)

I've known John since I was in grade school. He always wanted to serve his country. When the rest of us in high school had no clue what we were going to do with our lives, John always said he wanted to serve our country in some capacity. Yes, he has his flaws...we all do...but he's openly discussed it and I admire him for that. I haven't talked to John in many years but I am proud of him as a friend and as an honorable person who wants nothing more than to make Oklahoma a better place for all of us.

Bullhead, Nicut (7/4/2009 6:52:58 PM)

Ayo, I'm sure your opinion is important to Sullivan... if he's any kind of polition, that is. I'm very happy he says he's had an epiphany and is getting help even though I too do not beleive his reason.
--------------------------------

spirit07, said: "Cherry Buster, ya sum sert a child pedophile with a name like that. Sick name your prevert"

I totally agree, spirit.

Bullhead, Nicut (7/4/2009 6:55:17 PM)

Ayo, I'm sure your opinion is important to Sullivan... if he's any kind of politician, that is. I'm very happy he says he's had an epiphany and is getting help even though I too do not beleive his reason.
--------------------------------

spirit07, said: "Cherry Buster, ya sum sert a child pedophile with a name like that. Sick name your prevert"

I totally agree, spirit.

Few Clothes, Austin, TX (7/4/2009 6:59:10 PM)

It doesn't matter whether it's the reason or not, he stepped up to the plate and admitted his addiction and I wish him well.

TLFKRF, Tulsa (7/4/2009 7:27:04 PM)

If only Ted Kennedy would have gotten help maybe he would not be a killer today.

desert fox, (7/4/2009 7:46:44 PM)

The man has serious character flaws, remember the radio interview when he had a campaign staffer anonymously phone in "dummied-up" questions he had studied? It was pre-meditated cheating, he is one big facade living one fib after another. Did I mention his lawsuit in Tulsa or his attempt to sue the Gov't for his screw up accident while in D.C. ?

FS, Broken Arrow (7/4/2009 8:07:09 PM)

He's a politician - checking into rehab was probably to hide something else.

yonv01, Sand Springs (7/4/2009 8:54:00 PM)

Way to go John, I'm an alcoholic myself. I've been clean now for almost 30 years. It isn't easy to stay away from drinking as I have found out. I always look back and ask myself do want that life again. And for me that is all it takes to know not to take that drink.
I'm proud of you, Lots of the people on here put you down. But you helped me a great deal with a problem I had. I know what kind of man you are from what you did for me. So hang in there it isn't easy by any means staying sober. You still have my vote!!!!!!!!!!!!

Dr_Doom, Latveria (7/4/2009 8:54:57 PM)

Oklahoma gets the BEST people....

tfromtulsa, Tulsa (7/4/2009 10:15:27 PM)

Mr. Left - Is your comment directed at Ted Kennedy?

Fire The Politicians, (7/4/2009 10:25:36 PM)

Mixed feelings here. He is to be commended for getting help, but is he really going to be effective going forward? A big gamble. He is always just one bad day from being completely worthless. By the by, who is paying for the Betty Ford rehab? Us? We can cover that with health insurance but not kids who have autism? What's up with that?

Republicator, (7/4/2009 10:44:03 PM)

nothing worse than a reformed sinner....

Bedazzled, (7/4/2009 11:01:34 PM)

I am happy for anyone no matter who they are if they want to try and stop drinking. It is an illness and is hard on the whole family and difficult to overcome. He has been dealing with this for many years though.

I never cared for Sullivan, maybe it was to do with all the lies about his DUI and other matters.

Not everyone can afford the Betty Ford Center and I know the congress has given lots of raises to their selves so that should help. It is the people who cannot afford this center to help with this disease that I feel mostly sorry for.

d van, Tulsa (7/4/2009 11:16:53 PM)

I hope and pray that John's best days are ahead of him.
We need him back at work for us.
AND WORKING HARD!!!

I'm sure John has learn much about himself and what's really important to him as a person.

Hug your family often, John. Then get busy working for us.

Keep your support system informed and listen to them.

tao4mind, Enid (7/4/2009 11:23:35 PM)

You are just going to give up; and not fight for your right to be a violent alcoholic. What kind of political example is that. You must be a Republican.

I'm Reliable, (7/4/2009 11:35:12 PM)

This is just part of his re-election campaighn.
He's smart enough to bring this up now rather than his opposition bring it up next year..........

MapleCreek, Tulsa (7/5/2009 12:12:58 AM)

It is true, an honorable man would step aside. His addictions/problems should not be Tulsa's or Oklahoma's problems. The truth is he has nowhere to go because no one would hire a known drunk. It is sad. Sad for him, sad for Tulsa. I really feel sorry for him and for all of us who are stuck with such poor representation.

human1, Cast your fate to the wind (7/5/2009 12:20:21 AM)

I appreciate his honesty. I hope he now becomes more understanding and supportive of treatment for other drug problems.

tulsa_common_sense, tulsa (7/5/2009 2:16:52 AM)

wasnt he one of the deniers? you know the ones that claim alcoholism isnt a disease? now i wonder if he will start to support rehab for drug offenders and users? and i bet he went to a none religious center where they try to teach that only god will cure the disease. hope he realizes there is no cure for this disease.

Exchanging views, Tulsa (7/5/2009 4:51:05 AM)

Your lack of comprehension ref your own problems leads me to believe you haven't a clue about ours! Will you be paying for this trip to Ca and the treatment at Ford's from your own pocket? A simple yes or no will answer the question. If you answered No then clearly you still have only your own interest at heart, not those that elected you.

droopy, wagoner (7/5/2009 6:11:08 AM)

ex, very caring post. You don't seem to recognize faults in others, so you must be perfect.

Isaac Parker, Tulsa (7/5/2009 6:20:01 AM)

Looks like you need to seek help yourself EV. Anger management...maybe?

DeeBee, (7/5/2009 7:09:58 AM)

Ya'll voted for Bush twice in Oklahoma, you keep voting for Sullivan. This backwards state would vote for satan if he represented redneck backward views. The fact that this is the only state in the union where President Obama lost all 77 counties confirms we're out of touch with what's good. Shame!

NancyB, (7/5/2009 7:47:25 AM)

Learn the facts about Alcohol Dependence. For evidence-based information on Alcohol Dependence (Alcoholism) and Alcohol Abuse, please visit us at AlcoholAnswers. org

There are comprehensive sections for the Alcohol Dependent and the Families and Friends along with information on evidence-based treatment modalities - including medicated-assisted treatment – Resources, an extensive Alcohol & Health section, and Discussion Communities for support and information at AddictionSurvivors. org

AlcoholAnswers. org

Eagle 4, Tulsa (7/5/2009 8:44:40 AM)

Been there, done that.

May you keep it together, John. It's nice to have control. All drugs are crutches and keep you from running...your life.

Rock Elm, (7/5/2009 9:43:07 AM)

OK already. So Sullivan's a drunk. Why are the rest of us regularly treated to these sob stories about people who have no self control? It's not just Sullivan I'm sick of, a family member calls and informs us of "milestones" i.e., 54 days since a drink or 14 months,etc. There are real illnesses and real problems of no one's making that go completely ignored while everyone focuses on these lame people.

Check It out, Tulsa (7/5/2009 9:46:49 AM)

I think I am starting to realize what it takes to win public office in Oklahoma and I believe I will run for Governor! Here are some of my campaign pledges. Our State does not believe in taking Federal money and I pledge to get rid of all federal taxes. Every state should be sovereign and Oklahoma will lead the way in eliminated Washington from our financing and law making. No taxes to Washington and state taxes will be minimized to enough to fund the state capital. We will enact laws that run the dems right out of this state. Every school will start the day with Bible class taught from Baptist Sunday School texts cause the Baptists are still the best foundational teachers. All mouth and butt s3x will be illegal in homosexuals houses and in heterosexual houses. Pink clothes for men will be outlawed. It is time for real Americans to teach those limp wristed mamby pambies to act like real men. Country music will be played in all public buildings. We will get rid of all welfare. No food stamps or help with your light bill. If you do not pay your bill you can starve in the dark. I will accept no salary cause we all no my new friends will give me money for giving them state contracts. Everyone should carry a gun even kids at school except the black ones cause they are law breakers and the Constitution is only for the just. And the Mexicans....oh you know we ain't having those anymore. Creationism will be taught at school and fluency in Creationism will be mandatory to get a Drivers License or a voters Registration card. We are shutting down the Casinos and the lotteries and those native Americans need to start paying taxes even though the rest of us are going to quit but we been paying them all along so that's fair. We will pay our state bills like roads and cops and stuff by having fund raiser...Palin and Rush would speak...and we will just borrow the rest. We will have Representatives in Washington just to vote no on anything a dem brings to the table. It would be our outreach to the other states to help that way. Besides we should get our fair share of Federal money as long as it is free and we do not have to tell them where we spend it. The Ten Commandments will be printed on every building and abortion and birth control will be illegal. If you do not want a baby then have some of that funny s3x even though it's illegal, just do not tell and no one will know. And if you here any bad stories about me remember it is just that liberal media out to get me for my stand for a Christian Nation and a tax free state.

yep, Tulsa County (7/5/2009 10:21:35 AM)

It never ceases to amaze me how liberals speak of compassion, understanding, acceptance, but usually are very quick to judge, critique and verbally blast others. None of us should 2nd-guess Sullivan's decision or label him a liar...doubt any of of the critical commenters know the guy or live in his house. I am not a fan of Sullivan's voting record, so I am not defending him. I'm simply pointing out that if you're going to stand for understanding, acceptance and compassion, then practice what you preach.

Bullhead, Nicut (7/5/2009 10:28:55 AM)

yep, I think you have that backwards. Libs are the ones who hate God, man and country according to the Cons. Libs are not known for their fundamental belief.

T-town Fan, (7/5/2009 10:41:13 AM)

If Sullivan's drinking was "affecting his family", then how did his binge drinking impact representing us? Were we represented properly? The question answers itself my friends. This isn't the movie "Arthur." This is the real deal. Sullivan's failed again. We need new leadership. Sullivan is unequivocally not fit and should step down. I don't want a "periodic binge drinker" representing myself or my family or friends. With great power comes great responsibility - a responsibility not worthy of Sullivan. He needs to experience another "moment of clarity" and resign. Sullivan does not represent Tulsa values. Tulsa is great. We need a leader that is great as we are. We deserve better Tulsa!!!

R U 4 Real?, BFE (7/5/2009 11:15:59 AM)

Stay the fight Congressman. Whether I agree or disagree with your political agenda. Stay the fight.

T-town Fan, (7/5/2009 11:27:14 AM)

R U 4 Real?: Respectfully, sir, Sullivan's fight is with himself. He can't even think of trying to "fight" for his constituents when he is broken. He needs to step down to try to heal himself. That is what a respectful Republican with "family values" would do for his family. Sullivan has no foundation. A house without a foundation is sure to quickly crumble - with or without a tornado.

cowboyneok, Tulsa (7/5/2009 11:52:40 AM)

Yea, yea, yea... constant refrain for a Republican who gets himself in trouble, "Oh, G-d bless him!" or another favorite, "but..but...but... Democrats do it, too!!!" Had he been a Democrat, there would be consequences like impeachment, or worse, but since he is a "G-dly Republican" he gets another chance.

I guess we can be grateful his drinking problem didn't include dirty diaper sex, like Republican Senator Vitter, or sex in public bathrooms, like Republican Senator Larry Craig? The whole "Democrats do it, too!" chant by Republicans falls flat when you consider when Democrats do "it" they experience more negative consequences for their behavior!

Republicans, who supposedly hold a tougher "family values" line on that kind of behavior, rarely seem to suffer any consequences whatsoever. They go to rehab, cry and tell their followers Jesus has forgiven them, and then they are able to fail upwards in the Republican Party. I guess, since Sullivan has experienced this little bump in the road, we can now look forward to him being elected U.S. Senator? He might be clean and sober but it hasn't changed the fact he is a smug elitist who doesn't think consequences should apply to him. Oklahoma deserves better representation than this clown!

Few Clothes, Austin, TX (7/5/2009 12:12:22 PM)

TLFKRF. Bravo! I wouldn't have had to buy myself the Ted Kennedy Swimming School tee shirt.

Tough but Fair, COWETA (7/5/2009 12:17:05 PM)

John Sullivan has gold-plated health insurance through his employment as a US Congressman(both his salary and his benefits are paid for with our tax dollars), and the Betty Ford Clinic absolutely requires a gold-plated insurance plan before accepting anyone for addiction treatment.

Now that Representative Sullivan's head is clear and he realizes that he has a treatable disease, perhaps he will vote for a public/private health care insurance option that covers all American citizens. His vote would allow the 45 million uninsured American citizens among us, if and when they might need costly rehabilitation treatment, to obtain it as he has.

Oklahoma prisons today are chock-full of untreated addicts who made terrible, often criminal, choices while under the influence of alcohol or drugs - but who had no earthly way to pay for addiction treatment if they wanted it. Our neighborhoods and church pews also have a very high number of employed, but uninsured or under-insured, substance-addicted citizens living right out among us. These many, many "respectable" folks are but one more drink or one more hit away from also standing in front of a judge for driving under the influence, domestic violence, child neglect/abuse or any number of other less than acceptable behaviors.

The horrendous, uncounted cost of substance addiction in America goes on and on; but the hard, cold, dirty secret of our current health care system is that far too many who need and want rehabilitation have absolutely no way to pay for it.

I, too, wish Representative Sullivan all the best as he embarks on his alcoholism recovery process. Let us hope he has learned from his own experience, and that in the quiet, contemplative moments he will now take for himself every single day (a necessary part of ongoing, successful recovery), he will develop genuine empathy and understanding for those citizens he serves who are not so fortunate as he has been, with his excellent health care benefits.

The fact is that recovery from alcohol (or any other) addiction does not even begin until after the 30-day rehabilitation period, which focuses primarily on drying out the body, disease education, and honest self-awareness.

Rehabilitation treatment is terribly, terribly expensive, and its cost in any location is far beyond the reach of practically 100% of uninsured Americans, as well as for the many who have insurance plans which severely restrict or deny payment for addiction rehabilitation treatment.

Recovery is an ongoing, difficult, lifetime process which requires careful "one day at a time" attention by the addict. Relapses are very common, especially in the first few years. People who have successful, long-term recoveries from addiction report that they have become completely "different people" than when they first came out of rehab.

Very often when a recovering addict returns to his "normal" environment, he finds that he is unable to remain sober there - with the result that he must find new friends, new employment, new hobbies, and sometimes, even new life-partners, in order to maintain his daily sobriety. And sober, recovering addicts also often find that, in their new, clear-thinking state of mind, their old thought processes, prejudices and false belief systems fall completely away.

Let us hope Representative Sullivan has this experience and now notices the millions of uninsured Americans who desperately need help right now. "There but for the grace of God (and a gold-plated insurance plan), go I" could be his new campaign slogan.

Good luck to you, Mr. Sullivan. God bless you as you embark on your recovery.

Thunder196, Tulsa (7/5/2009 12:24:03 PM)

Anyone who is willing to improve themselves, I respect. Doesn't matter what anyone else thinks, it is what he thinks of himself. I am sure the decision to seek help probably came harder for him, being a public figure, because he knew it was going to be aired in the media.

tfromtulsa, Tulsa (7/5/2009 1:28:54 PM)

"It is true, an honorable man would step aside."

I can't believe how many posters are implying that the Kennedys are dishonorable!

cowboyneok, Tulsa (7/5/2009 2:11:27 PM)

This quote just proves how out of touch this guy is:

"'I also thought an alcoholic was a guy under a bridge cooking a squirrel on a stick,' Sullivan said."

Yea, they usually are, Congressman Sullivan, unless you have a bunch of enablers around you and are lucky enough to have public financed health care coverage. Alcoholics usually DO wind up under a bridge cooking squirrels on a stick! You are one LUCKY MAN to have had so many enablers and the entire Republican party to continue to make excuses for you. Hope you remember how entitled you are when it comes to your votes on health care for the rest of your constituents. Somehow I doubt very much that will be the case, huh?

tfromtulsa, Tulsa (7/5/2009 2:58:10 PM)

How many enablers did Ted Kennedy have?

eglkeeper, Lower Mongolia (7/5/2009 4:11:14 PM)

Did we have to pay this drunks salary for the month that he was inactive? You binge drink with at times a six year break between attacks on the bottle and you go to Betty Ford? I'm offended that you would even think that a citizen would buy that line, what an idiot. You got caught and this was your response. Party on John...

tulsa_common_sense, tulsa (7/5/2009 4:23:37 PM)

its all the gays and the dems that caused this. obama infected john sullivan with the drunk gene. haha i havent read all the posts but obama and the dems as well as the homosexuals caused all the problems of the world.

The Lunch Lady, Tulsa (7/5/2009 4:50:04 PM)

tough but fair--agree with your post

You know, there aren't many jobs where one can just decide one day not to come to work for over a month with no supervisor's approval--you just do it--then go to one of the costliest medical treatment facilities in the nation without pre-approval from your insurance company--then stay for many, many weeks and not do your job and no one say anything negative about it and no one also do your job while you are gone--it just doesn't get done--then come back to the job with no penalty and no acknowledgment that you drew a month's pay for nothing.

That kind of thing just does not happen to ordinary people.

It just seems that our level of accountability for addressing all aspects of our lives--working at and keeping our jobs, paying for our health care, accepting responsibility in a very real way for all aspects of our lives is just different than that of this man.

Beats me if it is right or wrong.

But that sure seems to be the way that it is.

tulsan09, Tulsa (7/5/2009 4:52:36 PM)

I'm glad he got help and I don't think he needs to resign, even though I've never voted for him, nor would I ever do so. The only thing about this that bothers me is that he's on a free lunch of insurance at our expense. He was able to check into one of the most expensive clinics int he country. Perhpas he'll think about this when he passes judgement on others, which he frequently does, and when he considers reforming health care so others might have the same opportunities that he's been given.

Carl Owen, Moore (7/5/2009 5:49:07 PM)

I'm glad that Sullivan has recognized his problem and sought help. However I'm just sick and tired of all the Republican politicians who for years have sneered at Democrats while puffing up their chests and loudly proclaiming their moral superiority. Sarah Palin is a classic example as she trotted her family out for every photo op touting family values while her teenage unmarried daughter stood next to her holding her baby.

human1, Cast your fate to the wind (7/5/2009 7:17:51 PM)

"Monkeys eat bananas. Alcoholics drink."

In 2007 Mr. Sullivan voted NO on a medical merijuana.
I guess he does not think that Potheads Smoke mary jane!

CherokeeOK, Tulsa Area (7/5/2009 8:05:26 PM)

Shame on you _____Check IT Out_______You really disappointment. What tragedy has effected you? You are speaking as a misinformed liberal and one that sound nothing like the Godly woman I once read.

Vote Bribery, Tulsa (7/5/2009 8:24:58 PM)

I am with you libs on this let's throw John out, especially for being honest about his alcoholism. It shows a lack of political inexperience to admit that. He should take his cues from the more experienced political hacks like the Kennedy's.

J C OK, Tulsa County (7/5/2009 8:26:32 PM)

SULLIVAN IS A GOOD MAN. I am ashamed of you who put him down. You liberal Democrats should ask for Ted Kennedy, Patrick Kennedy and many other Congressmen who have problems to step down also if you want John to step aside.

Barney Frank, Nancy Pelosi, Harry Reed, Barrack Obama all need to step aside when they cannot get their stories straight.

John Sullivan has represented Oklahoma well.

human1, Cast your fate to the wind (7/5/2009 8:41:32 PM)

I'm glad Mr. Sullivan has the opportunity to kick the habit but I haven't heard any repbulican represetatives complain they think it is socialized medicine when a senator to goes the Betty Ford Clinic for Alcohol Addiction!

I wonder if Rush is going to call Mr. Sullivan a socialist! That is what he would call any other liberal citizen if they asked the government to pay for treatment!

TK1, (7/5/2009 8:57:08 PM)

Lunch Lady, you are wrong. ADA covers alcoholism and provides employees with up to 12 weeks of leave during a 12 month period--for even us ordinary folks.

spirit07, Tulsa (7/5/2009 9:15:01 PM)

Sullivan Sucks. 3rd Party now

Polar Bear, (7/5/2009 9:29:47 PM)

I hope we do not have to get much media focus on personal problems,altho Republicans put themselves up as pro family when they really are not, as seen by voting recordsWould Sullivan stop Global warming?? No..Good thing Sweden is a leader.....:Olivier Truc, Le Monde: "In 1991, the Swedes established a carbon tax that bears on energy consumption. To the skeptics who assert that this tax kills growth, they answer with their record: since the introduction of the tax, Swedish greenhouse gas waste has been reduced by 9 percent, while, during the same period, economic growth was 48 percent."

Jacky, (7/5/2009 10:30:13 PM)

Check It Out - loved the post. On that platform you'd win by a landslide in Oklahoma.

Okie Smoky, Broken Arrow (7/5/2009 10:43:47 PM)

Sullivan denied health insurance to uninsured Oklahoma kids, BUT its Ok for him to go to rehab on our tax dollars! Sullivan is a BUM and should resign now!

Sport, Edmond (7/5/2009 11:23:05 PM)

Sullivan: "Monkeys eat bananas. Alcoholics drink."

Why just yesterday I was talking to a former monkey, and he was telling me how he had overcome his bananaism.

Red Dirt, Shawnee (7/5/2009 11:32:31 PM)

Addiction is a terrible illness and I hope Sullican is able to control his.

That said, I also hope he eventually realizes that the addicts who live under a bridge might be there because they don't have access to treatment. They don't have access because in America, treatment is not available unless you are well insured or wealthy. Sullivan is well insured because taxpayers pay for a wonderful insurance plan for him. He will soon have an opportunity to vote for a bill that will make insurance available for everyone in America. I hope this experience has taught him how important insurance is to all American citizens and what a difference it can make in their life outcomes.

The more healthy citizens America has, the more workers paying taxes America will have. It's a win win for America so I hope Sullivan will support healthcare for all.

PAN, (7/6/2009 12:38:37 AM)

To Bullhead:
How can you say he is lying to himself? Are you a mind reader? NO ONE - not even a counselor - can KNOW when someone is lying to him/herself. I think you made a VERY presumptuous statement, which is just WRONG to do. I, for one, am VERY PROUD of John Sullivan for having the courage to PUBLICLY face a battle, which is a lifelong struggle for anyone who suffers from alcohol addiction or any substance addiction. Sure, he wants to be re-elected; of course he does! Wouldn't it be great if EVERYONE of our government offices in Washington, D.C., all the states and all the local government offices were occupied ONLY by people who are TOTALLY ALCOHOL AND SUBSTANCE FREE? Why don't more people advocate for THAT instead of tearing someone down who has an addiction and WHO IS FACING THAT ADDICTION HEAD ON?

PAN, (7/6/2009 12:48:15 AM)

Red Dirt wrote:
"I also hope he eventually realizes that the addicts who live under a bridge might be there because they don't have access to treatment. They don't have access because in America, treatment is not available unless you are well insured or wealthy."

That statement is INCORRECT. All people DO have access to treatment and it is paid for by the ODMHSAS - Oklahoma Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services. Treatment facilities do have a limited number of state treatment beds, but when there is a bed available, it IS AVAILABLE for the non-wealthy and uninsured. There is usually a long waiting list for these beds, but there ARE beds for these people. How do I know this? I worked at a treatment facility and am married to a counselor. THERE ARE SERVICES AVAILABLE FOR THOSE UNDER THE BRIDGES AND THE UNINSURED AND FOR PEOPLE WHO ARE NOT WEALTHY.

sirwinston, (7/6/2009 1:09:39 AM)

John... we're for sale... go home

cybercitizen, Bville (7/6/2009 7:43:01 AM)

Am grateful for his family's sake that he finally decided to get treatment. The dry drunk stage lasts for many months, and is even harder than the drinking stage. Patience, staff and family. Am hoping that Sullivan will now use his own better functioning brain to think for himself rather than blindly follow the GOP party line. Have been wondering for some years if the Congressman had more than once or twice an independent thought.

spirit07, Tulsa (7/6/2009 8:21:03 AM)

"Eating Squirrels on a stick" What an insensitive jerk. He is totally clueless.Lots of good comments here about what a jerk he is.I'm sick of this moron, and beleive me he is. How he parlayed this into a career shows our ignorance too!

Tough but Fair, COWETA (7/6/2009 9:41:56 AM)

Pan - you are correct. There are a LIMITED number of beds available. The key word is LIMITED. Oklahoma Drug Court workers struggle daily with trying to find available beds for addicts who need and want treatment and who have no means to pay for it, but there are not nearly ENOUGH beds available for the demand.

A universal health insurance plan that covers every single American citizen, regardless of whether they are employed or not, regardless of whether they have means to pay, and that does not discriminate against them by denying coverage for addiction rehabilitation would resolve this problem.

You and your husband are very aware that addiction is a disease, and the legal system is finally beginning to acknowledge that fact, and everyone knows addiction disease doesn't get better without treatment. The insurance industry, however, chooses not to recognize this fact - and far too many addicts are denied treatment because they cannot afford to pay the very high costs out of pocket. One wonders WHY it is so expensive when one looks at the low salaries paid to rehabilitation workers, but that's a different economic issue.

When the number of available beds is adequate to meet the demand of the many who need and seek help, we will see a decrease in the number of addicts who relapse repeatedly. When an addict who has been assigned to the drug court program obviously wants help, the court has agreed that the addict is a good candidate for rehabilitation and other drug court requirements, and the system is so short of available beds that the addict must wait 90 days or longer for a bed, what do you think happens? Yep - more drug/alcohol use happens during the waiting time - and sadly, oftentimes the addict acts out while under the influence in a way negates his/her drug court eligibility as a result.

I know a drug court officer who spent two entire 8-hour days back and forth on the phone just last month attempting to find a bed - begging ODMHSAS sponsored facilities to somehow make room for a client - to no avail - the earliest available bed was in August! This officer's time and resources could have been utilized so much better during those two days - but that is the state of available rehab beds in Oklahoma for those who are uninsured or underinsured.

The solution is to have insurance coverage for everyone all the time, so that when need arises help is readily available.

The Lunch Lady, Tulsa (7/6/2009 10:06:42 AM)

From TK1
Lunch Lady, you are wrong. ADA covers alcoholism and provides employees with up to 12 weeks of leave during a 12 month period--for even us ordinary folks.

Well, all I know is that the 12 week leave for my co-worker was not paid like Sullivan's was. He got the 12 weeks, but on his own time.

Also, the company had to find someone to do the person's job while they were gone, (Sullivan did not have to get approval to go nor did anyone do his job while he was gone) and the person I knew had to pay for they treatment because their medical insurance capped out (Sullivan's medical insurance apparently paid for his treatment), when the guy got back the person who did his job while he was gone went to "job-sharing" with him (Sullivan has slipped right back into his old slot with no alteration, it would appear), then the guy I know was just laid off in the recent down sizing and the guy who took his place while he was gone has his job.

Now, all the laws on the books can be cited till one is blue in the face, but the bottom line is what I said stands, it is not the same for ordinary folks as was Sullivan's experience with his rehab.

By the way, everything that was done by the employer was totally legal. They absolutely followed the law. Even the guy who lost his job has no real problem with it. That's just the breaks in the real world. That is what ordinary folks put up with every day.

That was not Sullivan's experience.

spirit07, Tulsa (7/6/2009 6:47:19 PM)

Lunch Lady is right on, we live in two worlds. One for the rich fat cats like Inhofe, Kennedy, Sullivan, Bush, Obama (he sure got rich fast) and one for the rest of us

spirit07, Tulsa (7/6/2009 6:48:31 PM)

There should be someone who can send the bush leaguer to the halls of congress as a lobbyist

cowboyneok, Tulsa (7/6/2009 7:26:00 PM)

"tfromtulsa" try as you might you can't keep turning this one back on Democrats. Democrats are fighting for universal health care. Ted Kennedy has been spearheading universal health care. The Kennedy's drinking and bad behavior has nothing to do with the hypocrisy of Republicans doing the same thing who do NOT want others to enjoy the same care they receive on the taxpayer's dime. So just give it a rest on trying to bring Ted Kennedy or Chappaquidick in on this debate because its apples and oranges and you know it. Do most Republicans just not have the intelligence to understand hypocrisy or are you deluded into thinking you can just shout "Ted Kennedy" and its somehow a valid counter point?

cowboyneok, Tulsa (7/7/2009 1:24:29 AM)

"Grand Old 'PARTIER'" (Partier stand for 'drunk' maybe?) - Yes, but whose party is it that stands for "Family Values?" What does Senator Larry "wide stance" Craig, Senator "prostitutes and dirty diapers" Vitter, Congressman Mark "man-boy scandal" Foley, and the most recent Senator "pay to play with your mama" Ensign, and Governor "don't cry for me Argentina" Sanford have in common? They are all sanctimonious "Family Values" Promise Keeper Republicans like yourself that use that "Family Values" garbage to scare up votes from people who are naive enough to think your party represents some kind of standard of morality.

The rest of us know "Family Values" simply means you have one finger pointed out with four pointing back at your judgmental sanctimonious selves because you think as long as you are talking about drunks or womanizers in the other party, we won't see all your secrets and the really sick stuff Republicans get into. It's a game with you people, isn't it?

As long as you keep throwing up this pristine morality and "Family Values" crapola you think the rest of us won't notice your party exists to make the rich more rich and keep the poor and working guy down. Its all about keeping that party going, right, "Grand Old Partier"? As long as someone else pays for it, just keep on partying!

Kennedys! Ha! You can have Kennedy and take Clinton while you're at it! They obviously belong with your group by their behavior, but at least they don't have to worry about being called HYPOCRITES. The GOP has come to stand for the word "HYPOCRITE," or naive voters who vote for them.

Oh, and if you want to start getting into family political dynasties and their ties to anti-semitism you've left out one of your heroes Prescott Bush! Remember him? Dubya's Grandpa? He helped finance Adolph Hitler. Not to mention all those inconvenient Bush ties to the bin Laden family. If I were Bush and got hit by the bin Laden's on 9-11, I'd want to turn the page real quick and attack the wrong country and pin it all on another convenient dictator. Isn't that how it works?

From a September 25, 2004 article in "The Guardian" in Great Britain:

"George Bush's grandfather, the late US senator Prescott Bush, was a director and shareholder of companies that profited from their involvement with the financial backers of Nazi Germany.
The Guardian has obtained confirmation from newly discovered files in the US National Archives that a firm of which Prescott Bush was a director was involved with the financial architects of Nazism.

His business dealings, which continued until his company's assets were seized in 1942 under the Trading with the Enemy Act, has led more than 60 years later to a civil action for damages being brought in Germany against the Bush family by two former slave labourers at Auschwitz and to a hum of pre-election controversy."

Do you know how to "Google" information, "Grand Old Partier" or are you too drunk or afraid to look into that kind of stuff?

cowboyneok, Tulsa (7/7/2009 1:39:57 AM)

More inconvenient truths:

"Several members of the Bush family are investors in the Carlyle Group, a defense contractor and investment fund with numerous interests in the Middle East, run by former Reagan administration Secretary of Defense Frank Carlucci.[4] The media noted that former President George H. W. Bush attended an investment meeting at the Washington, D.C. Ritz-Carlton hotel on September 10, 2001 and in particular a meeting with Shafiq bin Laden, representing joint interests of the Saudi Binladin Group and Carlyle.[5] (Bush did not attend the morning of September 11, although it has been alleged that the meeting took place during the 9/11 terrorist attacks. Former Secretary of State James Baker was present, along with Carlucci.[5]) The Carlyle and Binladin groups mutually severed their business relationship on October 26, 2001.[5]"

Wow, if I were George W. Bush, I'd want EVERYONE to think Iraq, and Saddam Hussein attacked us! I'd hate for Americans to think the bin Ladens had ANYTHING to do with 9-11 since my family was making BILLIONS from the Carlyle group! After 9-11, I'd want to sever ties as SOON AS POSSIBLE and make America think Saddam Hussein did it so no one would get mad I made a bunch of money with the bin Ladens if I were George W. Bush! If I were a rich Republican, I wouldn't want anyone knowing this either or it might keep people from giving our party money! If I were "Grand Old Partier" I wouldn't want the party to stop!

cowboyneok, Tulsa (7/7/2009 1:46:42 AM)

Remember, folks! If a Republican starts talking about "Family Values" lock up your children... quick!

lou7200, (7/7/2009 1:13:34 PM)

John Sullivan should resign immediately for the following reasons:
1. His constituency deserves someone with a clear head to make weighty decisions at the Federal level. There are plenty of other jobs he can hold OUT of the spotlight.
2. His party can nominate someone of character to fill the time until the next election so we can see what we're getting.
3. His family needs him to prove to them that he is "cured". This is a personal problem and needs to be addressed with those upon whom the most impact is being made.
4. The man hasn't done anything to distinguish him self at the Federal level for almost 10 years until now that is.
5. We can do a LOT better than having a drunk make our decisions for us while being paid to do it.

lou7200, (7/7/2009 1:21:04 PM)

I forgot
6. Alcoholism is NOT a "disease" (even though the AMA sanctions it for insurance purposes), it is a "condition". As such, it is completely and totally "self inflicted". Anyone who supports Alcoholics who call what they have a "disease" is just an ENABLER. That is worse than having the "disease" because now two people are excusing the behavior and NO ONE is calling it what it is.