LETTER: We shouldn’t deny forgiveness

Editor,

Having been without sin, Joe Kotynek cast a stone at David Pak in a recent letter to the Utah Statesman (Letters, Feb. 4). Kotynek believes Pak should “should never be given a second chance.” Pak made his mistake when he was 16. He has served his prison sentence. He has paid his debt to society.

What would you prefer, Mr. Kotynek? That Pak never aspires to be honorable and productive? Would that ease the pain of the victim? As just as it may be, Pak cannot stand in proxy for the pain of the victim. Would it be better if Pak never became a positive influence in others lives? Pak can’t change the past. He can’t ease the pain of his victim. That is beyond his control now. Pak does control the future. His ascension from convict to college graduate is the best that could be hoped for after his horrific mistake. Would our society be better served if convicted rapists turned their lives around and obtained college degrees or are we better off limiting their options?

Pak has guts. Pak knew he would be the target of proverbial stonings as he sought redemption. He knew that even if he changed himself some wouldn’t be able to look past his terrible crime. That hasn’t stopped him.

Most of us will never commit a crime heinous as Pak’s. We are all still dependent upon the forgiveness of others in our pursuit of our potential. As dependents upon forgiveness ourselves, how can we deny another?

Thomas R. Grover