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