Tragedy: Arnold Jones' fall fits the true meaning of the word

The true definition of a tragedy is not a natural disaster or other fatal event. A tragedy occurs when someone is the cause of one's own downfall. A hurricane or a fire might be disasters, but they are not tragedies in the purest sense of the word.

The story of former judge Arnold Jones is a real tragedy. Jones, who was sentenced this week for trying to bribe a lawman to do him a personal favor, was the author of his own fall from grace. Had he not been a public figure his situation would not have garnered the headlines it did. But he had asked the county's residents to place their trust in him to be its chief legal official, and when it was discovered that he had let his constituents down, the story was big news.

We are satisfied with the sentence Jones received. His real punishment is the public disgrace he suffered. Jones was penitent at his sentencing. He said he knew he had done wrong. He now has a lifetime to make up for it. We believe he will.

Meanwhile, Wayne County residents can rest easy knowing the legal system works. Public officials are not "getting away" with things. They get caught and punished just like everyone else.

Published in Editorials on May 19, 2017 9:34 AM