6.25.2009

IMPERFECT


Hold the presses... yesterday’s news trumps today’s headlines.


Yet another respected politician had his professional bubble burst yesterday, with the admission of heartbreaking infidelity.  The subject is one each of us can relate to... as we have either been hurt from it, engaged in it, or tempted by it.  “Good people” are often involved.


Let me first note that one act does not define a man.  If each of us were judged by singular moments in our lives, I wonder who could stand blameless.  To think that “it is I” is most likely either ignorant, arrogant, or naive.  This side of heaven, no man is perfect.


Publicly, the list of imperfect men and women knows few boundaries...


Bill Clinton.

John Edwards.

John Ensign.

Rudy Guiliani.

Jim McGreevey.

Eliot Spitzer.

And now Gov. Mark Sanford.


(Intramuralist note:  while no women are included in the above, more publicized list, please make no conclusions about female susceptibility.)


Our often forgiving public, no less, seems to have realized that while infidelity certainly indicates disreputable decision-making, it is not a pure reflection of the totality of a man’s character.  With authentic, private repentance, most have more to give.  According to a recent Fortune 500 article, for example, in regard to the power of philanthropy, “Bill Gates has the money. But no one motivates people and moves mountains like Bill Clinton.”   There is much more to Clinton’s character than his previous poor behavior.


But why is it that we have trouble admitting the “good” and “bad” in some?  Why do we seem to ignore the infidelity of specific people?  Why do some seem to bypass the scrutinization...  especially perhaps, in the name of celebrity?


Prince Charles.

Bill Cosby.

Katharine Hepburn.

Paul Newman.

FDR.

Julia Roberts.

Donald Trump.


(There are many, many more for whom the rumors hold more than substantial speculation.)


These persons, too, certainly have much more to their character; they have made positive contributions in multiple areas.  But with the exception of FDR, it sometimes seems as if we hold politicians to a standard that we choose to ignore in others.  Does celebrity motivate us to conceal imperfection?  


Each of us has something to give...  imperfect as each of us is.  We simply need to be wise, graceful, and consistent in handling those imperfections.


AR

3 comments:

Laura Davis said...

I agree with you that none of us are perfect. I also agree that we should not hold different standards for "celebrities", "politicians", or friends.

But, personally, I think that "politicians" have been held to a different standard because they publicly hold other politicians to that standard. I think they have trouble admitting there is "good" and "bad" in some. And, it's that hypocrisy that leads to these different reactions. Many of these politicians have come out very publicly and stated that others are immoral or that others should resign because of similar acts - but when they are discovered doing the same thing, they do not heed their own advice. This leads to media coverage and continued discussions about not just the infidelity but the hypocrisy.

I applaud you especially for your last line: "We simply need to be wise, graceful, and consistent in handling those imperfections." Amen!

AR said...

Laura, I think you make an excellent point about the hypocrisy. Hypocrisy is incredibly unattractive, and it is so damaging to anything else a person wants to do or say. Just like we teach our kids: how can you say one thing but do another? Good point, friend.

Anonymous said...

When voting, I care more about a candidate NOT being a hypocrite than I care about his or her political party.

Good point, Laura!