Mistakes, Bad Judgement , Consequences, and Mercy

LTC Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 20 Mar 2015 10:05:22 -0400

I just read a post about a woman who made a stupid mistake by posting an "ill-advised" photograph at Arlington National Cemetery. In the modern age of social media and the permanence associated with it. How long should we hold people accountable for stupid decisions? At what point should we show mercy and put it in the lessons learned file and move on?

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 20 at 2015 10:06 AM

LTC Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 20 Mar 2015 10:06:59 -0400

At the point it has cost a person their job, they have received death threats, and cant even leave their home, I think they have suffered enough consequences.

Response by CSM Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 20 at 2015 10:09 AM

CSM Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 20 Mar 2015 10:09:48 -0400

That's a good question. I would like to ask Jane Fonda that exact question.

Although very disrespectful and I in no way approve of that or the recent memorial shenanigans I don't let it bother me.

Response by SPC D W made Mar 20 at 2015 10:10 AM

SPC D W — Fri, 20 Mar 2015 10:10:40 -0400

People do make stupid mistakes. I think the answer is 2 fold.

On one hand, it becomes an important lesson to those who come after, to learn not to do the same thing. As well, it makes it all the more severe, and makes everyone double think what they do, to make sure they don't hit a mark like that. I think that is a major flaw in society today, that so many get away with consequences to their actions, that neither they nor others learn from anything.

I mean, that is the central argument to abortion: trying to get rid of consequences for decisions made, whether accidental or intentional.

On the other hand, though, there is mercy. If the individual is not penitent in anyway, I don't think there should be a statute of limitations. But if they are truly penitent: they recognize the mistake and are willing to grow from it, I think it should be dropped.

Generally, I do see that, though: those that make mistakes, but then confess and grow, their mistakes are generally forgotten about soon after.

But those who fight against it, like the soldier who bragged about staying in her car during colors...... That's a different picture altogether.

Response by Sgt Aaron Kennedy, MS made Mar 20 at 2015 10:25 AM

Sgt Aaron Kennedy, MS — Fri, 20 Mar 2015 10:25:25 -0400

Sir, it depends on the act.

In the case of the person you mention, she was foolish enough to document the instance, and the "promulgate" it via social media. The internet has a long long memory.

Our actions are like a shovel and a hole. A bad action digs a hole. A good action has the potential to fill it in. The more people the know about it, the deeper that hole is...

Response by SSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 20 at 2015 10:40 AM

SSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 20 Mar 2015 10:40:34 -0400

Hi, Colonel.

I assume the post to which you are referring is the one of the lady at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier standing next to a sign that reminded people to be quiet and respectful, and acting as if she’s screaming and flipping off the guard. That was just ridiculously offensive, but I don’t think she should have lost her job over it.

We are a large populace of veterans and uniformed personnel, and we are still reeling from Jane Fonda. As such, our civilian counterparts will trip over themselves to afford us a proper level of respect. I appreciate that, but let’s not demonize someone for being stupid.

I don’t believe our honor, courage, strength, and commitment are contingent on the actions of a 25 year old girl on vacation. She screwed up, massively. We should let it go.

Response by TSgt Kevin Buccola made Mar 20 at 2015 11:10 AM

TSgt Kevin Buccola — Fri, 20 Mar 2015 11:10:38 -0400

Sir,

Unfortunately with Social Media, cell phone cameras, personal drones etc you have to do the best you can not to do idiotic things...You must think before you act. Your life and history is on-line. People can dig up anything anytime on anyone and destroy your reputation and image. You make a bad decision today you have to live with it......forever.