Lots of people have made mistakes in their lives.

[MineralMan]

Lots of people have done things they probably wish, in retrospect, they hadn't done. Maybe most people. I know that I have. I've also apologized for past behavior and have learned from it.

What happens when those things get revealed later really provides a measure of the person. Does that person admit that he or she did something wrong, apologize for it, and take responsibility for those actions? Or does that person call the person reporting what happened a liar and lie further about the incident?

I don't expect anyone to have lived a perfect life. Few have achieved that lofty goal. However, when called out on some action from the past, I do expect people to own up to their behavior and make a sincere apology. If they do that, I can put that behavior in the past and move on. If they do not do that, I'm likely to wonder whether that behavior is just the tip of the iceberg.

It is what people say and do about past mistakes that is important.

That's my opinion on that.

[Cattledog]

1. MineralMan you should change your name to WiseMan.

Very well said.

[MineralMan]

2. I'm considering changing it to Mr. Wiseacre.

That would, no doubt, get a lot of applause.

[True Dough]

3. So let's say

Roy Moore handled things exactly as Al Franken has done. Considering the differences in the nature of their offences, would you be willing to look beyond Moore's transgressions, or is that straying too far over the line?

[Cattledog]

7. Pedophilia? Are you serious?

[True Dough]

13. Personally, I'm disgusted

but it seems to be/have been part of the culture among many evangelicals, particularly in the south decades ago. There's a fascinating article on it here:

http://www.latimes.com/opinion/op-ed/la-oe-brightbill-roy-moore-evangelical-culture-20171110-story.html

[MineralMan]

14. It was wrong then, too.

For adults to be soliciting sex from underaged people or forcing sex on them has always been wrong. It was wrong in the 1970s. It was wrong in the early 20th century. It is wrong today.

It is taking advantage of innocence for one's own pleasure. There is no time when that has been acceptable. Period.

[True Dough]

15. Absolutely

And I would never suggest otherwise. It is curious, however, how it was once acceptable, to some degree, in some places. I also find it interesting how right-wingers, opposed as they are to Middle Eastern immigrants, are quick to chastise Muslim men taking underage brides and yet some of those Republicans have been surrounded by a similar reprehensible custom.

[MineralMan]

9. But, you see, Roy Moore did nothing of the sort.

And you're absolutely right. The nature of their behaviors is very, very different, really.

I will say, however, that rehearsing kisses isn't an uncommon thing for performers to do. When I had the lead in my Senior play in high school, the leading lady and I rehearsed the play' kissing scene thoroughly. We really wanted to get it right. Method acting, I think they call it. But the idea to do that came to both of us at about the same time, so it was OK with both of us.

[NightWatcher]

4. If some see equivalence between Al and Roy....

Al has been accused of one thing so far and admitted it immediately and welcomed a hearing into his behavior.

Roy has denied all 9 accusers and says this is persecution. He has sent lawyers to attack the credibility of the accusers.

If you see no difference, I'm sorry.

Now if this reveals a pattern of Al's, I will be the first to demand his removal.

[lame54]

6. hold on there...

he was accused of groping a sleeping woman

he admitted to taking a tasteless photo

a photo that shows him NOT touching her

[MineralMan]

10. Yes. Just as I said.

[Stuart G]

5. Yes, you are correct..people make mistakes. A simple idea to show that everyone does make mistakes

When I was very young, I learned to write in first grade. I recall quite clearly, that as I learned I often made mistakes in writing..now here is the point..Do they still put erasers on pencils?..Yes we make mistakes. all of us do..How we deal with these mistakes, is the issues.

I noticed the other day, at a large store, that they still put erasers on new pencils. Today..2017, rather than the 50s. when I was in first grade. And you said, We own up to their mistakes..Yes, that is correct. Do the best we can, and move on.....

[greymattermom]

8. and any of us who have lived awhile

know that norms change. Sometimes we don't change that quickly.

[MineralMan]

12. Norms do change. So do people over time.

A lot of us did things, when we were young, that we would no longer do. We learn. In fact, our entire lives are spent learning, I hope.

[loyalsister]

11. Yeah

In defense of Trump, my dad said "what if someone recorded the worst thing you ever said or did?" No sympathy from me just because someone got caught