by Toni Doswell

Created on: July 01, 2009   Last Updated: July 03, 2009

Right at this time, I do not think Governer Mark Sandford of South Carolina should resign. He is trying to come clean with his wife, family and the media, which is so much more than many other people who have violated their marriage vows have done. He has even made some restitution of $3,000 for his trip to see Maria Belen Chapur. I see a man who is at least trying. Now, if he continues seeing her and not making an attempt to reconcile his marriage, I would be in favor of him resigning.

Everyone in life makes mistakes. So many times we do not acknowledge our mistakes because we want to hide our errors and continue doing what we are doing. Mark Sandford has gone many extra miles and really has given out too much detail on his private affairs. Do you really think he owes that to the public? Yes, he was absent for a few days, and unavailable to his constituency. Yes, he abdicated his position for a few days with what he thought was a woman whom he loved. Yes, he disgraced his wife and family, but he has acknowledged the same. Given his actions, I think he deserves one more chance.

Governor Sanford and Jenny have four dear sons. These sons need their father. They are disgraced by his behavior, however, they still love their father. Governor Sandford believed he had found the love of his life, but in my opinion, he was deluded. The woman who had done the most for him was his wife Jenny. She stood by his side, had the four children, put up with his antics, and refused to put his business out in the street. Jenny deserves a medal. Governor Sandford is at an age where it will be hard to find a job. Where will he go, and what will he do should he resign? It is hard for most people to find a job as it is. His present position in which he will be in for awhile will allow him to plan what he will do in the future.

I looked at his face. It is tired, weary, and bears the mark of a man who thought he had caught a star, but found out it was instead a flikering ball of fire. He needs our compassion and prayers instead of harsh criticism and denunciation. Like the woman in the Bible who was found in the very act of adultery (which he admits), Christ told her to "Go and sin no more." All of us need the pardon of our fellowman when we have made a mistake. No, his example has not been exemplary, but how many others in public offices do far worse and it is never told until they are out of office, and sometimes never told at all.

At one time Governor Sandford was being considered

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