Editor:
Re: Svend Robinson speaks to the NOW about why he’s running again, NOW, Jan. 17
Regarding the crude and offensive reaction to Svend Robinson’s attempted political comeback - when did Canada and B.C. abandon its compassionate principles of redemption, atonement, rehabilitation and second chances?
Svend made a serious mistake, but like all situations like this, the story is complicated, and includes some mitigating aspects. Svend’s life and career, like anyone else’s, doesn’t deserve to be defined by one split second, poor, out-of-character decision. All of us are human, all of us are flawed, and all of us can make mistakes.
Not just Svend, but all of us deserve a second chance to admit our mistakes, and to work to make our legacy and contributions better. Any objective assessment would clearly reveal that Svend has already made an outstanding, unique, exceptional contribution to Canadian society. He’s already been a significant unique and tremendous voice, particularly for those who don’t have much of a voice, in Canada’s and B.C.’s development.
We should be grateful that people as clearly equipped to contribute as Svend, will step up and submit to the abuse of public service. No one can seriously maintain that Svend can’t make an important, unique, and much needed contribution going forward.
Redemption and rehabilitation aren’t principles that should be thrown overboard, even in the political arena.
Svend deserves a second chance.
Dan Beaton, Burnaby
