Pubdate: Wed, 08 Oct 2003 Source: Traverse City Record-Eagle (MI) Copyright: 2003 The Traverse City Record-Eagle Contact: http://www.record-eagle.com/ Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/1336 Author: Dave Lund Related: http://www.mapinc.org/drugnews/v03/n1478/a10.html Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/people/Judge+Gilbert NO ONE IS PERFECT Several months ago I had the opportunity to sit as a juror in a civil case in Leland conducted by Judge Tom Gilbert. Throughout the trial I was impressed by the courtesy, fairness and thoroughness that Judge Gilbert displayed throughout the proceedings. His professional and friendly demeanor was exemplary and above the norm that I have witnessed in other courts. The fact that this individual has demonstrated that he is capable of making a mistake in a matter of personal behavior makes him human rather than an individual deserving ridicule and castigation by those who would attempt to ruin his career. I find it sad that those who would chide this man say he should be ashamed of fining - or jailing - drug users while he was on the bench. Would we have rather had him ignore his responsibility to uphold the law? We seem to be a little bit quick to throw stones at this individual when none of us is perfect. I, for one, hope the judge is able to continue his efforts to overcome his difficulties and return soon to a job he does so well. Dave Lund Traverse City - --- MAP posted-by: Doc-Hawk