Pubdate: Sun, 24 Nov 2002 Source: Traverse City Record-Eagle (MI) Copyright: 2002 The Traverse City Record-Eagle Contact: http://www.record-eagle.com/ Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/1336 Author: Ralph Bergsma Referenced: http://www.mapinc.org/drugnews/v02/n000/a232.html Related: http://www.mapinc.org/drugnews/v02/n2097/a04.html Related: http://www.mapinc.org/drugnews/v02/n000/a231.html Viewed at: http://www.record-eagle.com/2002/nov/24letter.htm DIFFERENT STANDARDS It is frightening how easily it is for the media to put in jeopardy an individual's career today. If you use poor judgment resulting in a "stupid" mistake, you're crucified in the newspaper. I believe the article by the editor was not necessary and certainly used poor judgment in his use of words to describe the situation. The latest media attack was the Nov. 17 editorial, "Alcohol doesn't absolve judge of responsibility for behavior." I was outraged by the paragraph that started, "We don't want to kick a man when he is down." Oh yeah? I understand his colleagues' concern. I was very disappointed, however, that they could not find it within themselves to offer support to a fellow jurist who publicly admitted his mistake and has taken appropriate steps to correct the situation. Police Chief Soffredine expressed the correct attitude about this situation and I commend him for his honesty. I do not know Judge Gilbert very well, but should he run for office in two years and has his abuse problem under control he will have my vote. It takes a person of strong character in my mind to admit his failings publicly and commit to a program to correct the situation. I don't recall that our newspaper or editor made a big issue about President Clinton's poor judgment and "stupid" mistakes. Unfortunately, he never had the integrity to admit his mistakes like Judge Gilbert. Perhaps the liberal media has different standards for different people. Ralph Bergsma Traverse City - --- MAP posted-by: Jay Bergstrom