Concerning Doug Lambert and Ray Buckley

Over the past for days a controversy has been brewing over the comments made by radio show host Doug Lambert that were directed at NH Democrat State Chairman Ray Buckley. An incredibly stupid thing was said, and Doug Lambert has apologized and asked for a chance to make up for this blunder.

It is important to note that no one should take this letter as an acceptance of the remarks made by Mr. Lambert. I found Mr. Lambert’s comments unpleasant, but completely uncharacteristic of the Doug Lambert I know. Because of the political climate we now live in, it is also important to state that I make the following comments as a private citizen, and not as a spokesperson for any of my affiliations. What Mr. Lambert said was distasteful, and has no place in the public debate. But Mr. Lambert understands what he said was wrong, and he had the strong moral character to take ownership of his mistake.

As for the relentless, mob mentality that is being directed at Mr. Lambert, I have but one question to ask. Where is the grace? Make no mistake about it, we should hold Mr. Lambert’s “feet to the fire,” and keep him to his word that this will not happen again. We have all said and done things that we later regret, this includes Mr. Buckley himself. And for the most part, over time, all of us have been absolved for our lapse of judgment.

There are those that would keep this wound open for purely political reasons, but in the end they come off looking petty and spiteful. Like rabid dogs fighting over a bone, some have decided to feast on Mr. Lambert character, and that is just sad. Some have decided that they will not stop until EVERYTHING is taken away from Doug. In opposition to the hatred they believe was uttered by Doug Lambert, they will bring forth a wrath a million times worse than anything Doug might have said. It is cruel, but sadly indicative of the current state of our culture.

I have known Doug for some time now, and I am proud to call him a friend. I know him to be a kind and thoughtful person of high moral character. I will not abandon someone I respect because I am unhappy with something they have done. We should all remember that even the best of people make mistakes, but to “err is human, to forgive is divine.” Have we become such a vicious culture as to deny a person the opportunity at redemption? We live in a country that prides itself on second chances; to allow the fallen an opportunity to make amends for their mistakes. I say to you today that if anyone is deserving of a second chance, Doug Lambert is.

And for those that might take this opportunity to attack me, so be it. It would not be the first time. I would rather stand with a person who understands he made a mistake, but will strive to regain our trust, than stand with people who would ignore their own transgressions while throwing stones at a person asking for our mercy. We are facing tough times, and this is not to say that this incident didn’t merited some attention, but in the grand scheme of things, it is time for all of us to move on.