Forgiveness

“I phoned Aaron on Sunday morning about 10 a.m. .... In an earlier interview with the Guardian, Peña, D-Edinburg, gave a different account of events."

That statement, made by a South Texas bigwig, to imply that I lied to him and the public in a news story, is completely false.

As the photo indicates his call came on Monday at 7:30 a.m. not Sunday morning (when the breakfast meeting took place). On the previous day I was at the breakfast meeting in question with at least two others in attendance (easily verifiable). Thanks to technology and this blog I can show that my accuser is mistaken. Unfortunately, I was not asked at the time by the reporter to respond to the accusation before it was broadcast to the world.

I am sad to say that in the political world deflecting personal attacks is now a run of the mill event for most political figures. Is it any wonder why "good people" stay out of politics. Although the coarsening of public discourse continues to increase most elected officials simply ignore petty personal attacks. I normally do that. But must one continue to do that after the third or fourth event?

Creative politicians like Barack Obama have websites like "Fight the Smears" that respond to attacks instantly. I guess this is a similar attempt.

It is probably relevant at this time when many at the state capitol are talking about an end to retribution, personal attacks and in finding forgiveness to examine an age old debate that I have had with a member of my staff: In the political arena, that is for the most part driven by reward and punishment, what is the role of forgiveness? How many times must a Christian officeholder, for example, turn the other cheek when individuals personally attack him repeatedly? Biblical teachings have one answer:

Matthew 18:21-22

Then Peter came to Jesus and asked, "Lord, how many times shall I forgive my brother when he sins against me? Up to seven times?" Jesus answered, "I tell you, not seven times, but seventy-seven times.

Friends coarsely remind me, "Yes, and Jesus is dead and he was killed by religious, political types!" In order to be a successful public figure must one become the type of elected official that one despises? I don't think so.

In my real world I called the local bigwig who made the statement, a person I call a friend, and told him his attacks were not constructive and more importantly based on incorrect facts that were fed to him (by good ol' South Texas political thugs). He said he would re-explore his statements and be the first to apologize if he was mistaken. He told me he would call me back.

Thank God for technology. There, I feel better already.