LETTER: Some are too judgemental

Editor,

When reading the Wednesday edition of the Utah Statesman last week, we read with great interest the article about fellow Aggie, David Pak, and his unique experience in his past. The article proved to us, although rape is of the most serious offense, people can change after rehabilitation and forgiveness. The human spirit of compassion and mercy has been demonstrated at Utah State University. We thank Coach Morrill and the university administration for letting Pak come to USU.

That being said, the letter to the editor in Friday’s edition by a Mr. Kotynek surprised both of us when he stated that, as a psychology major, that he believed in “treatment and recovery” but that anyone “that has ever gone down that road should never be given a second chance.” Wow, some psychologist. No one has asked that it be “erased,” but that he be given a second chance. Pak has done all he can do to right his wrongs. Who are we to say he is not haunted by his mistake every day of his life, for he has stated that it does and will forever. Anyone that knows Pak is aware that he is upstanding and genuinely sorry for what he has done. Mr. Kotynek also stated, “when will our society deem rape unacceptable?” We already do and in response, when will our society (Mr. Kotynek) accept people for who they are now instead of who they once were?

Someone once said, “no matter what your past has been, you have a spotless future.” Pak has shown that although his past is spotted, he intends keep his future clean from blemishes. For someone that has said that people need to “stop spreading hate and intolerance,” Mr. Kotynek needs to practice what he preaches. We practice what we preach by supporting Pak. Get to know someone before you cast such a preposterous and ludicrous judgment. Hopefully in eight years down the road, someone will forgive you for writing such a condemning letter.

Jimi Jorgenson

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