In previous generations it would have been regarded as a success of the criminal justice system. A young teenager is convicted of embezzling £2,000 while serving as a church treasurer. He is removed from his post, charged by the police, convicted by the courts and receives a non-custodial sentence.
But he learns his lesson it would seem - and goes on to study for an Accountancy degree and 27 years later is made Chief Executive of Northern Ireland Water. It's a success story - for he turns his life around and doesn't re-offend. The offence is regarded as 'spent' - and he is free to get on with his life.
But this is 30 years later - and attitudes have changed. Resigning last week from NI Water in the aftermath of all the burst pipes following the 'Big Freeze', Laurence MacKenzie's offence has come to light. There is to be an enquiry into whether his past was known, calls for his severance package to be suspended, and questions as to why he was allowed to reach "the highest echelons of this organisation given that background". (See for example: Guardian, BBC)
It's a perfect example of the change of attitude, at least within the media and political circles, which we have seen over the past decade. Notions of rehabilitation and fresh starts, to say nothing of forgiveness and grace, have long since departed from the dialogue, and instead a more punitive, unforgiving and retributive climate prevails. Where it would seem that if someone breaches the legal code, irrespective of the punishment they serve or how they live the remainder of their life, that somehow their status as a citizen is irrevocably changed, they become a lesser-being, an ex-offender, and they must never be allowed to forget nor move on. Where even 30 years later when an offence comes to light, totally removed from any context of what exactly happened and why, the crowds continue to bay for blood.
It's a retrograde step to pre-modern times where criminals used to be branded for life, and made to forever bear the marks of their shame. Reminiscent of Victor Hugo's Les Miserables where Jean Valjean is forced to adopt a new identity in order to redeem himself, but where his past is always biting at his heels, in the form of Javert, seeking to destroy the progress he has made.
Far removed from grace and Gospel.
Well said that man! Welcome back.
Posted by: Janice | January 16, 2011 at 07:22 PM
So grateful when the Lord forgives He forgets - it is cast into the depth and removed as far as east is from west. Praise Him!
Posted by: Betty | January 19, 2011 at 03:10 PM