A Saving Grace

I suppose it will be judged by some as “too little, too late,” but my high-school buddy Joe Tang just pled guilty to ten counts of fraud yesterday in a San Francisco courtroom. Story is here and here.

As I’ve said before, I haven’t seen or heard from the guy in a good decade or so. It’s a shame; he’s a fun guy — from what I read he didn’t lose any of his legendary sense of humour, confidence or disarming charm in the courtroom either.

The time for speculation is past. In the eyes of the law, and the American people, and according to his handwritten statement himself, he’s guilty. We’re all spared an embarrassing and wasteful judicial circus, and the attendant personal humiliation of someone willing to admit wrongdoing.

Of course, admission doesn’t erase a criminal act. It does, however, inspire the quality of mercy. And I hope the justice system is similarly inspired. Joe, current events besides, was a good friend of mine once. He still is, in my mind. And by all accounts a damn good violinist.