OPINION:
In the age of the Internet, there is a new public figure at the center of a scandal every week (“Justin Trudeau’s support holds amid ’brownface’ scandal: ’I think he is drawing some sympathy,’” Web, Sept. 22). As a society, it is imperative that we learn to forgive mistakes made decades ago.
There is no public figure who has ever lived or ever will live who was or will be perfect; it is pointless to look for one. Mr. Trudeau’s scandal is a prime example of this. Who would expect that one of the best-known advocates for minority rights in a liberal country had donned blackface? Past actions, though important, should not be the deciding factor in the court of public opinion. Current values and decisions matter more.
Whether it’s Ralph Northam, Kyle Kashuv or Justin Trudeau, we must understand that people can and do change as they experience new things and understand new perspectives. If we wish to be forgiven of our own transgressions, we must forgive others of theirs.
JACK CHILD
Falls Church, Va.
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