I found this news story curious considering the recently “broadcast” shenanigans of our city mayor:
Husband is fired over wife’s occupation
The Town Council of Fort Myers Beach, Fla., fired the town manager after finding out his wife is a porn star. In an emergency session last week, the council voted unanimously to fire Scott Janke from his $100,000 job “without cause,” after press reports identified his wife, Anabela Mota Janke, as the adult-film star “Jazella Moore.” “It’s not a judgment on what she chose as a career,” insisted Councilwoman Jo List. “My vote was a vote on the credibility and livelihood of our town.” (The Week Magazine Sept 18, 2009)
That last line got to me: “the credibility and livelihood of our town.” What kind of “face” does our mayor convey now when sitting down with a major business considering moving to Sheboygan?
What are the limits of forgiveness and second chances? Are they the same for “Joe the Plumber” as they are for elected public officials? What say ye?
Steve, we’ve heard about your Mayor’s latest here in Madison. Maybe because a guy on WIBA AM Radio, Dick Albert, or Alpert, is from Sheboygan and I think, worked on the radio there?
I don’t know the answer….will you be giving it?
with infinite hope, Jim
Recovery, Recovery, Recovery 12 step Program!!!
The mayor could even walk to the recovery program at Zion.
There are no limits to forgiveness and second chances as long as true repentance has been done. We all fall over and over. That won’t stop until heaven. We need to admit our need and ask for God’s help.
Regarding limits of forgiveness, in the eyes of God, all are equally sinners and all are equally forgiven and God does not have a ‘’three strikes you’re out” policy.
But Man is less forgiving and has put in place laws to protect its citizens and penalties theoretically to reduce crime.
As for public officials and Joe the Plumbers being held to different standards, that’s a bit more complicated. My instinct wants to say, yes, officials should be held to higher standards. But I can’t entirely justify feeling that way unless it’s because they’re in the limelight; that as leaders it is their responsibility to set the example of good behavior and judgment.
Bottom line – We are all human and we all make mistakes. If perfection was a requirement of leadership, who, other than God, could lead???
You raise tough issues Steve. The mayor has certainly lost some credibility at this time. However, any sincere display of remorse, admission of wrong doing, or seeking help would go a long way to restoring credibility and trust. We all know only too well that if a camera were focused on us during moments of our worst behavior we would all be in deep trouble.
The sobering truth is that God’s camera is always on us, and that is why we have to pray for forgiveness daily.
I think elected officials are held to a higher standard, but even they should be warranted a second chance.