When the news story first broke about the Minnesota bathroom scandal, I immediately considered Craig to be both gay and a liar. I lumped him into the category of those persons who live by a different set of standards called political morality. In our country it seems Senators, Congressmen, lawmakers and even our President are above the law.
What I didn’t take into consideration is that he could possibly be innocent. Maybe it is likely that he is guilty. That doesn’t matter. The likelihood of someones guilt isn’t supposed to be taken into account until the person has had his/her day in court, to be tried amongst their peers and found without a reasonable doubt guilty. Larry Craig, by his own admission of guilt, didn’t give himself that chance. It was probably this guilty plea that decided his lack of innocence in my mind.
I watched his interview last night with News Channel Seven. Before my eyes, I found someone whom I could relate to. Suddenly there was a chance he could be innocent and even intimidated. Yes, politicians are allowed to make mistakes in their personal lives, even big ones. And those personal mistakes should not be what defines their political careers. Is there a possibility I’m biased? Yes. He is from Idaho and my own Senator. I want to give him the benefit of the doubt. Plus, I’ve been where he’s at.
There is not a thing in this world more destructive than the tongue. Once a thing is said, it can never be taken back and damage caused from ill intended words lasts a lifetime. Last night, my husband and I went to see his son at his son’s sport function. My husband’s ex-wife wouldn’t allow their son to hug his dad. She actually moved in between the two so there could be no physical contact between them. Why is the natural question one might ask. The answer? Me. Suddenly we were told that her children were no longer allowed to be around me or my three boys. There was no reason given. The only possibility I can think of is the gossip that has continuously been whirled about any topic that concerns my person.
For the past four years I have had to live with horrible untrue statements made about me and my past. I can do nothing about it. People don’t want to hear the truth, I’ve tried, they’re not interested. Even my parents-in-law are convinced that I am worthless, even dangerous. I have no criminal record. I am a mother, college student and wife. If I thought there was chance to change people’s perspective about me, I would take it. I would do almost anything to protect my name. Especially if I thought I could prevent what has transpired in the last four years.
Listening to Larry Craig last night, I understood his dilemma. I don’t care if the man is gay. Sexual orientation doesn’t deem one unfit to perform ones job. I do find it disturbing that he plead guilty, but if I was in the same situation, I can’t say I wouldn’t have done the same thing. Who am I to sit in judgment against Larry Craig? More importantly, is what happened in that Minnesota bathroom any of my business? No, it is not. His sexual orientation is none of my concern either, that’s an issue to be resolved between he and his wife.
Even with all I’ve been through, I still judge others. That’s a dangerous thing to do, playing God. I have to stop and think before I convince myself of someones character. Things are not always what they seem. What has happened to our nation that we have forgotten the proverb, “believe only half of what you see and nothing of what you hear”?
