21 JUL 07: WHO'S SORRY NOW?

(BLOGGER'S NOTE: You may find this item humorous, serious, or a little of both - but we offer these thoughts from time to time, as we keep a seventh-day Sabbath.)

It appears a sizeable number of people disagree with a decision by Columbus Council this past week. We received this e-mail about it:

Now that Mr Milner has been paid off by the city for being fasely arrested does this mean that everyone who is found innocent by a jury can take a bite out of the city budget also? The council is going to have to add a special category to the budget,pay off....I guess now those people will be running to that attorney to get their fair share..

You have to say one thing about this approach. The pressure's going to mount on the District Attorney's office to get convictions....

The matter of Markeith Milner mentioned here on Wednesday comes down to a core issue - admitting you're wrong. The mayor and police chief admitted that, in the arrest of Milner for a deadly home invasion in April. Perhaps it was so startling because you never see C.S.I. experts do that on TV, after they pursue false theories.

Some people are saying Police Chief Ricky Boren had no reason to apologize to Markeith Milner, because he was simply doing his job. They may also apply this logic to C.I.A. agents using waterboarding on possible terrorists, I.R.S. agents showing up at your door to collect back taxes - but didn't some Nazi guards use an excuse like that in the 1940s?

Yes, police should do their job. But if they do the wrong thing, why not come out and say so? It's called being humble -- and it's something elected officials often have problems doing. You'll notice Senator David Vitter of Louisiana only did it after his phone number showed up on a call girl's list.

For years I've remembered a statement NASCAR radio pit reporter Winston Kelly said, after he interviewed a driver involved in a crash. "It takes a pretty brave man to admit he made a mistake." It's something all of us actually have to do - unless, of course, you're a perfect person. And it's truly an honor to have you reading this blog, Ms. Winfrey....

Like it or not, we all should admit we're wrong. My source for that is the apostle Paul, who wrote: "All have sinned and come short of the glory of God." That even includes me -- although you can probably count the bloggers admitting it online on one hand.

If you don't think you've sinned, or perhaps are unsure where, the Bible provides some helpful checklists. You may think of the Ten Commandments in the Old Testament. But don't overlook several verses in Galatians 5. They warn against hatred, jealousy, selfishness -- and oh yes, Harry Potter needs to read the verse against sorcery and witchcraft.

After you find areas where you're wrong, what should you do? Admit it to the people you've wronged, if that's possible - and confess it in prayer to God. The Bible says God always is in a mood to forgive you. And some of the people may be so stunned, they won't even think about hiring an attorney to sue you.

COMING SUNDAY: The latest big decision in the Kenneth Walker case.... and an e-mail prediction about Summit Hospital....

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