Trey Radel’s troubles in Florida bring to mind a larger question as it relates to drug testing for people seeking public assistance.

Shouldn’t the people who make these laws be beyond reproach?

Radel is a freshman Republican congressman who has been caught buying cocaine in an undercover sting operation. He faces possible jail time for the misdemeanor charge, although he’ll likely get away with probation, a fine and some community service.

The issue gets a little stickier.

Radel has been in the U.S. House of Representatives for less than a year, but he’s already made a bit of a name for himself by advocating drug testing for those seeking government assistance — you know, things like food stamps, welfare payments, that sort of thing.

Radel’s view — as it is with the mostly Republican contingent in Congress that supports this notion — is that those who are asking taxpayers to foot the bill to help them get by should be clean and sober.

I’m still undecided on how I feel about this issue, but Radel’s troubles may be persuading me to lean against mandating such requirements on potential recipients of government aid.

Why? Because we invite hypocrisy among those who make these laws. Witness the situation involving Radel. He insists that your Average Joe American behave himself if he’s going to get public assistance. He’s got to pass a drug test if he’s going to receive a small stipend to buy food or clothing for his kids.

Radel, though, isn’t following the same standard he’s setting for others.

It might be too much to ask the fallible human beings who make these laws to abide by the very rules they impose on others.

Then again, how hard can it be to elect people to high office who aren’t prone to use cocaine?

Perhaps we ought to subject federal and state lawmakers to mandatory drug testing. Do you think Congress and state legislatures would go for that?

Me neither.