I am willing to bet there is no one reading this column who has never made a stupid mistake. I’d also bet money everyone with eyes on this paper has done something they regret. It could be a little regret or a huge one, that throws shade on the rest of a lifetime.
Why, then, are we so quick to turn on one of our own when he made a foolish error? People are out for blood because a school employee has been charged with driving under the influence. Would they be making the same noise if the guy was an oil field hand, or worked at the local newspaper? Probably not.
Here’s another thing. The charge was combined alcohol and drug, but that is the technical charge every time and is usually – or formerly -- drugs OR alcohol. It’s a misdemeanor charge. It is never right to drive under the influence, but let’s be honest. A lot of us have gotten behind the wheel when we shouldn’t have.
So if anyone out there has never made a mistake, never done something they regret, carry on. Otherwise, have a little compassion and let this be a teachable moment for all of us, and the kids. No one is above the law, and anyone can make a mistake. The consequences are painful and hard to live with. Thankfully, this time no one was physically harmed. Then the lesson is learned, hopefully, and we can go ahead with living. It’s time for that moving ahead thing. I have been on the sidelines at practice and seen this guy work with the kids. He does a tremendous job and there is no reason to throw the baby out with the bathwater.
I was pretty excited to attend the ribbon cutting Friday at the new Zona Verde home on Weigle Avenue. There is some getting used to about the house. I don’t love the gray exterior, but that’s why they make chocolate and vanilla. Not having closets built in is a little odd to me. But on the other hand, if someone wanted to use one of the bedrooms as an office or nursery, that makes things a little more convenient.
But the amount of natural light coming in the wide windows and modern upper openings, the open floor plan and consistent flooring throughout contribute to the fresh, contemporary feeling of the house.
It would be easy to see a couple or a young family living there. Anyone who has a lot in town or is considering building a house ought to have a look at this one. Contact city hall to arrange a tour. You’ll like what you see, I promise.