I know that you’re just getting to know us, so I preemptively apologize for the following introduction to the “Beg the Differ” feature. On Monday I suggested to the Corbster that we argue whether the press’ treatment of former coke-fiend Josh Hamilton is fair or unfair. Corban, in his eternal self-hatred, decided to take the bad cop on this one and argue that Hamilton’s former addiction should not be glossed over. I was going to take the side that the league was taking the high road and showing that one can overcome addiction. It didn’t quite work out that way. I don’t know if it was the bag of twin-pops popsicle I had consumed the night before or the 3,000 words I had due for school, but yesterday I couldn’t have argued my point, even if I plagiarized it. So, this is what the debate boiled down to, and I apologize:
Corban: So our company hired this guy 10 years ago. He had all kinds of qualifications and we thought that he would be a great asset to the company. Instead he stopped showing up for work. We found out that he was using drugs, including heroin. We eventually just had to let him go.
me: Random? Or am I missing something? (I was missing something.)
Corban: Apparently he has now cleaned up and gone sober. Another company rehired him. All they have to say about him is good things and what an inspiration he is.
Nothing is ever said about the cost to our company, the hurt he caused those that trusted him and gave him a shot.
Is that right, that we just gloss over the negative?
Whenever we use the qualifier cautious to describe our optimism about him we are seen as pessimists.
Once an addict, always an addict. Isn't that what they teach in AA? Shouldn't he be subject to closer scrutiny?
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(2.5 Hours Later) me: Sorry, my brain is fried today. I've tried to come up with an intelligent and well-thought out retort, but I can't.
Corban: Ok.
me: I paid for the domain for thediffer.com today, so you owe me $5. I'm still trying to work out the kinks so that blogspot is connected to the address, though. It looks like it will take a few days.
Corban: I owe you nothing.
You owe me $5.
me: What just happened?
Corban: I could have easily taken your life when you were an infant but instead I made you promise that you would pay me $10 when I was 28. Since you paid my portion for the domain you now only owe me $5.
me: I don't take responsibility for anything said under torture, just like old man McCain.
Corban: It wasn't torture; it was racketeering.
You know, like protection money.
me: Racketeering? Like Pete Sampras?
Corban: No, like Don Corleone.
Me: The time to make the donuts guy?
Corban: No, Dr. Moreau
Me: Oh, so you're the fat guy who makes freaky animal hybrids.
I want to be a cheeteagle.
I would pay $5 for that.
I disagree with Corban...everyone has offended and hurt others at least once in his/her lifetime. So does that mean no one can become an inspiration or motivator for others? The so-called "motivator" usually uses their weakness/mistakes as their strength to become a better person and to continue to stay on the right path and to teach others. According to Corban, no one would be able to be a motivator...I do agree that we shouldn't gloss over the negatives or hurt feelings...but lets be optimistic and all learn from the mistake....
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