Mel Gibson, the Media and Personal Reflection

It is always difficult to watch a public figure implode in a very public way.As we all know now, Mel Gibson expressed in a drunken fit his feelings about Jews.His remarks, which are widely known have justifiably created a firestorm of criticical response.
All of us, if we are honest, fully acknowledging our fallible nature have dragons that need to be slain. Many find it necessary to combat alcohol,drugs, or a sexually exploitive existence among many other controllable maladies that permeate our existence.Mr. Gibson, being an adult must confront the demons within that are given voice when his inhibitions are lessened.It is his personal responsibilty to confront their nature and origins.He has expressed his regrets, an apology for his remarks.He has sought counsel from those whom he has offended so as to heal those wounds. That is a great step forward, and one ought to hope it is properly realized.
There is a trend in this country that I find as disturbing as Mel Gibson's rants.In many circles, from journalists to entertainers (and many in between) we seem to find satisfaction when a public figure falls from grace. Maybe I'm old fashioned, but for all of Mel Gibson's self inflicted wounds, no one ought to find joy.This applies not only to the specifics of this all too public affair, but to many more over the years. Mr. Gibson has fallen and no matter how repellent his statements, we as a compassionate society must be willing to aid him in his desire to make amends.That is assuming he is genuinely apologetic.
Bigotry can only prosper if we try to isolate it rather than seeking to properly educate those to whom it has embraced.We do this not out of naivete' but in recognition of the infirmities that pervade our existence. In all of human history, bigotry and racism have been at the core of its greatest tragedies.It is and has been the most destructive of human frailties, but it is only one of many infirmities that has afflicted humanity.
It would seem contrary in this politically correct world to embrace one who has so vilely expressed himself as Mel Gibson.Presently, in our society we aid those who are addicted to alcohol and drugs for those who seek our help.In many cases as is increasingly common, friends stage "interventions" to help those they feel are in denial of their addiction.If we are capable of reaching out to those in a vicious cycle of chemical dependancy, then it is incumbent upon us to engage those bitter souls possessing of that most hateful of human conditions we call racism.
There are no doubt, many who would view this position as appeasing hatemongers, and there is admittedly a danger. I would ask all who take that view to ponder and reflect on their lives. Have you never in your life ever said or done anything that makes you wince just in its remembrance? Can you honestly state you've never uttered a hateful or hurtful thing in your life? Before we cast Mel Gibson into the lower depths of Dante's Inferno and disregard his attempt at repentance, we ought to reflect on the totality of our existence,our thoughts,our words,our actions and reconsider where we would be if no one held out a compassionate hand to help us slay the dragons that inhabit us, whatever their nature.