THE RIGHT THING TO DO

The Nov. 17 Record-Eagle had some interesting things to say about Judge
Gilbert. First it was surprising that the editorial took the stance that
the judge should resign, and even more surprising that TC Police Chief
Ralph Soffredine said he believes Judge Gilbert "just made a mistake" and
that his fate should be determined by the people. (When would that be? In
two years in the next election?) It's as if two institutions reversed
positions. The liberal media becoming more conservative and the police
department, that should have little tolerance for wrong doing, becoming
more liberal.

While many of us out here don't even have to try hard to be good honest
citizens, we wonder how the media can forgive all of the wrongdoing with
just a shrug. Winona Ryder's shop lifting trial, for instance, brought
mostly sympathy from the media. The consensus was that it was unfair to
make an example out of her, as if she shouldn't be held liable for her own
deeds. But for once our local newspaper reflects the opinion of many in our
community in a very clear-cut example of what is the right thing to do.

Judge Gilbert should resign now. He will only lose a job, which is
something that most of us have had to face. He will still have everything
he had before running for this position. I know it's sad to see someone
self-destruct, but he will survive and we have many good lawyers here in
Traverse City to replace him.

Katherine Schichtel

Traverse City