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