http://www.baltimoresun.com/news/elections/bal-md.steele17oct17,0,6725109.story?coll=bal-home-headlines&?track=sto-relcon
Imagine. Michael Steele wants to replace Paul Sarbanes, the Senator who co-sponsored the Sarbanes-Oxley business ethics bill. Yet, he campaigns with Don King, whose reputation, (deserved or not) for business ethics could be improved upon. Moreover, and more importantly, according to the Baltimore Sun:
But King is no saint, civil rights leader or voice for the chronically downtrodden. In fact, he's a convicted killer. And some candidates might opt not to embrace his endorsement.King, 75, served about four years in prison for manslaughter for stomping a man to death in 1966, according to news reports. In 1954, he shot another man - King said the victim was a burglar - and was acquitted.
Now why would anyone in a leadership position, let alone somesone who sees himself as as a U. S. Senator, want to publically associate himself with such a person? What sort of message does this send to our kids?
I think this incident speaks loudly about Mr. Steele's lack of judgment and character.
2 comments:
Heavens knows I'm not a fan of Lt. Gov. Steele or of Don King, but on one level this story is disconcerting. Not necessarily on a political level but on a spirtual one. The tone of the article almost implies that if one commits a crime he or she is permanently tainted from any involvment in politics. Is there no redemption ever for one convicted for a crime. Yes, I know that the current philosphy of the Bureau of Prisions is correction and not rehabilitation but many faith traditions do believe in redemption from our errors or intentional wrongdoing (provided one seeks forgiveness and repents.) I think one should be opposed to Mr. King's political beliefs rather than dismiss him out of hand because he is a felon. While I have no way of knowing if Mr. King is in fact "amoral," shouldn't attacks on him (and by association Lt. Gov Steele) be made on a more principled basis?
I have to agree with my man tiredrxguy on this one. If King's paid his debt to society, it's a cheap shot to dig it up now. Besides, it makes it looks like we don't have anything of substance to say against Steele, which I'm pretty sure is not true.
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