March 9, 2010
by Jason@IIATMS
Why people feel compelled to get behind the wheel after drinking is beyond me. I’m not going to get all preachy, but this is such a selfish act. Just call a cab, ask a friend, whatever. Just don’t turn on the car.
A top New York Yankees executive was charged with driving under the influence in Tampa.
Hillsborough County Jail reports show that Mark Newman, the Yankees’ senior vice president of baseball operations, was arrested Monday night. He reportedly refused to take a blood-alcohol test. He was released several hours later on $500 bail.
Isn’t this exactly what precipitated the sudden departure of Steve Swindal from the Yanks inner circle, not that long ago?
Sheesh.
Fortunately we have depth here too! (K. Towers)
Come on, we don't know all the facts here. It's possible that Newman has never done this before and just made a mistake. We're not all saints here; we make mistakes. It's not necessarily defensible, but it's just human nature.
To me, it's as simple as he was or he wasn't. If he was, he could have easily hit someone's mom or kid or Derek Jeter, and then a different tune is sung. I think it's reckless, irresponsible act of horrible judgment…one that would set off red flags for most of our managers in the real world. There's simply no excuse for it. Given his age, it's probably only the first time he was caught.
We all make mistakes in life, and until the full details and past history are known, there is no reason for speculation. Also, if you want to condemn this guy for his actions, are you prepared to lay your life open for inspection?
If someone is going to take the moral high ground, they damn sure better be living a pure life yourself.
Besides, isn't this why we have a law enforcement and judical system in this country? To accuse, try, and convict in an open court?
I didn't condemn him, Mark Newman, specifically. I didn't dig into his past.
All I said, and what I will stick to is: "I’m not going to get all preachy, but this is such a selfish act. Just call a cab, ask a friend, whatever. Just don’t turn on the car".
Sure, it might be his first mistake, the first time he did this. Or, it's simply the first time he got caught. Either way, there's still no excuse.
Ron: this isn't speculation on my part; it's an AP report. I'm no saint, but I do have hold myself to a higher moral ground on many issues, specifically drinking and driving. There's no excuse for it.
Jason, I should have clarified. I was referring to Elliot's comment, not yours. You and I have discussed this previously, and I know and understand your position.
HOwever, this:
"Given his age, it’s probably only the first time he was caught."
I'm not condoning what he did in any way, but comments like that have no basis, and are petty and judgemental. And people who are petty and judgemental ofter point out the faults in other people without admitting their own. That's what makes them petty and judgemental.
Sad as it is to admit, I used to do this also. I would go out drinking and try to drive home. I was stopped a few times, but never arrested. Maybe I should have been, many not. Who knows. One day, before it was too late, I realized that was pretty stupid and I had a lot to lose. NOw I don't. I walk, get a cab, or ride with friends. You're absolutely right about that.
If someone wants to call me a dumbass for doing, they are compeltely right. But they don't have the right to judge me.
By the way, the worst accident I ever saw was on the I-5 in north Las Angeles. A woman on her morning commute was putting on makeup while driving and veered into another lane. The other driver didn't see it because he was on his cell phone. This happened in a tunnel, 25 cars were involved, 2 people were killed, several more seriously hurt, and the freeway backed up for 5 hours.
When people like that are held to the same standard of condemnation that Mark Newman is, then the world will be a better place indeed.
http://news.uk.msn.com/odd-news/articles.aspx?cp-…
I'll bet this doesn't make the blog roll today.
HOLY #$%^&* THAT'S AWESOME
Let me say in my 39+ years I have never had more than a few sips of alcohol, so I've never been drunk, let alone driven while drunk.
However, I am just about the only person I know who can say that.
It seems to me the chief problem is expecting to make someone to use good judgement exactly when their judgement is impaired.
It's not just you, misterd. I can say the same after 44+ years. Never smoked or tried any pot either.
There you go, Ron. Also, in accusing someone of being judgmental without knowing anything about the person, you are being judgmental yourself.
Sure, I don't know for sure if it was the first time MN was drinking and driving, or the first time he was caught. But it is just as speculative, and more naive, to dismiss the distinct possibility. The man is danger to himself and those around him, pure and simple. My management would not tolerate an employee who behaves as such, and neither should MN's.
Sorry, Elliot, it doesn't work like that.
You don't drink, so you're trying to come across as morally superior to other people who do, and might have made the mistake of getting behind the wheel.
You made the comment:
“Given his age, it’s probably only the first time he was caught.”
I said that makes you petty and judgemental, and I'm right. You have no proof, and nothing to base this on, minus your attempt at moral superiority.
I based my comment on something you actually said. Not guessing, not passing judgement, but something you really did. Trying to accuse me of doing what you do doesn't work, becuase it's two entirely different things.
But your follow-up comment shows that you aren't interestd in the truth, or fair play, or forgiveness. You just want to better than all the rest of us.
Go for it, dude. Have a happy life up on your mountain top looking down at the rest of us flawed people who make mistake.
But I have to know, do you walk on water also?