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By: Adrian Mojica – fox17.com – May 6, 2019
In a statement release on Monday, Casada says Cothren told him three years ago he was dealing with personal issues and “wanted to seek help.” Casada says Cothren sought counseling and forgiveness so he “chose to believe that we all deserve a shot at redemption” and “gave Mr. Cothren this chance to prove himself.”
Casada says since the issue was raised, Cothren has “been doing an outstanding job ever since.”
Casada’s statement was followed by one from Cothren in which he admitted to sending “some of them,” though the statement does not specify which messages specifically.
Below is the full statement:
“Regarding the texts in question, I readily admit that I sent some of them. I do so because they are part of a personal testimony that I am privileged to share, which is not lost on me. While I’m not proud of who I was in the past; I am proud that, with God’s grace and a strong support system, I’ve been able to achieve so much in the years since.
Like so many young, egotistical men aspiring to a career in politics that came before me, moving up the career ladder was met with unrelenting stress, peer pressure, and unrealistic expectations. I know that this is not an excuse. Nonetheless, I unfortunately turned to maladaptive coping mechanisms. However, I thank God for these experiences because they’ve allowed me a unique opportunity to witness to the young men who will come after me that actions have consequences.
I ask for grace, acceptance, and forgiveness as I continue working towards overcoming this time in my past. We can do better, and it’s my hope to be a part of that cultural change.” -Cade Cothren
Local activist Justin Jones responded, saying while he believes in redemption, “it is a clear demonstration of white privilege” and called for Casad’s resignation.
“Friends, I believe in redemption.
But it is a clear demonstration of white privilege for the Tennessee Speaker’s Office to refer to drug use as a explanation for overtly racist text messages that they had previously denied.
This is inequality before the law.
He must resign.”
The Tennessee Democratic Party also issued a statement:
“Instead of addressing the racist texts he received from his Chief-of-Staff Cade Cothren, Glen Casada would rather talk about his staffer’s cocaine problem as a way to dodge responsibility for his role in elevating a man he knew was a racist. Overt and consistent racism isn’t a side-effect of pressure at work or illegal drug abuse, and it’s time for Casada to address it head-on.
“Cothren’s admission confirms that he sent Speaker Casada racist texts. Not only was Casada silent, he later gave him a $130,000 raise. Then Cothren’s racist texts were revealed, Casada chose to protect his staffer by lying and accusing the media of fabricating the proof. Just like he chose to protect an admitted sexual predator by lying and accusing his political opponents of fabricating stories about Rep. David Byrd’s abuse.
“Casada’s willingness to lie and a lack of integrity confirms that he cannot be trusted as a leader of the people of Tennessee.”
To see this article, click read more.
Source: Tennessee Speaker’s Chief of Staff admits sending some messages amid racism allegations | WZTV
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