In the Act

“I apologize,” he says tearfully into the camera, “for the damage I’ve caused. What I did was wrong. I’m just ashamed.” So he should be. Civil disobedience in a democratic country is sometimes necessary, and it’s likely to be messy, but torching a police car after a hockey game? That’s just wrong, and no amount of crying on TV excuses it. Caught in the act – can we judge his sincerity? We’ve seen too many Anthony Wieners, Lindsay Lohans and Chris Browns. Contrition is fine, healing is fine, but the ultimate test of character is knowing right from wrong before acting.

Note:  This post refers to the aftermath of the June 2011 riot in Vancouver following the loss by the Canucks to the Boston Bruins in Game 7 of the Stanley Cup finals.