Viewpoints
Honesty and character
By Al Johnson
April 16, 2007
Monday
Editor,
Over time, suitable and appropriate quotes come our way addressing
or describing a common or current situation. Today one such quote
did arrive.
Our recent community dust up regarding the termination by this
inept Ketchikan school board of an academic driven Superintendent,
qualified by his peers, as the premier Superintendent of that
current year, for "Convenience" makes a perfect setting
for the quote.
With public awareness of Board Member Joel Jackson's failure
to pay recreation fees for a six month admitted period of time,
a potential felon account by any accounting method, save perhaps
Ms. Schaffer's, surely sets the standard for our children to
ponder the worth of honesty.
Board Member Schaffer "demonstrated" a penchant for
criminal intent by suggesting that the student count be increased
beyond the number used by historical count. Resulting, if Mr.
Martin had agreed, in false fiscal information, a criminal action
by any count. A wink and a nod surely sets the standard for our
children to ponder the worth of honesty.
Board President Lieben acknowledged on his website (Read the entire posting for context) that
his online "Friends" included six bikini models/porn
ladies, removed by Mr. Lieben over public concern of them being
there, would cause concern and public outcry as a result of his
vote to terminate the superintendent. Surely "friends"
like this sets the standard for character.
Board Member Eakes admitted inept action to make public, potential
Principal candidates personal files public, against all regulations
regarding confidentiality. That and her public comments that
in the short 5 months on the board, she could not get along with
Mr. Martin. This from the head of the quasi- public agency PATCHWorks
an organization charged with collaboration and consent among
community members. Surely this example sets the standard for
doing what an adult says, but not what an adult does (Character?)
Reviewing these observations
with despair, hearing no outcry from the community leaves the
quote by Robert Browning most appropriate. "See the rogues
flourish, and honest folks droop." ... Robert Browning
Regards,
Al Johnson
Ketchikan, AK
Received April 14, 2007 - Published April 16, 2007
About: "An elder who has
and is, living a good, honorable life. As I become older and
think back, I am enjoying it a second time."
Note: Comments published
on Viewpoints are the opinions of the writer
and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of Sitnews.
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