Many of today’s comments were selected from Margaret Wente’s well-read column, Does Jian Ghomeshi deserve a second chance? They were chosen because they offer a range of views on Jian Ghomeshi in the wake his essay published in the New York Review of Books. Many comments were also selected because they raise questions about the nature of punishment and forgiveness.
Former CBC radio host Jian Ghomeshi is shown in this file photo.The Canadian Press
Forgiveness is sadly lacking in 2018. The punishment for wrongdoing in real life is not always of the criminal-justice type: a fine or prison sentence, it is being shunned and reviled by others or suffering intense feelings of shame or self-loathing. Isolation and loss of career are corrosive. Society must allow for rehabilitation. The concept of redemption seems to have been lost in the 21st century lust for revenge. How does not giving Ghomeshi a second chance (accepting him back as a member of society) help any of us? How would giving him a second chance hurt any of us - even those he hurt or wronged? He ended up in purgatory, but should it be a life sentence? - proscenium
He had one of the best jobs in Canadian journalism. And he was good at it. However he decided he was entitled to sexually harass women, and even after complaints in the workplace were launched, senior management turned a blind eye. He may not have been found guilty in court, but the accounts of the women who came forward were consistent enough. If he really wants a second chance, then why doesn't he get involved in changing the culture of male entitlement to harass and abuse women? Starting with sincere apologies to the actual women he hurt. - Ellen241
I'm seeing a lot of comments here suggesting that he deserves a second chance. But a second chance to do what exactly? To resume his career? Whether he is guilty or not of criminal offenses, he is/was self-admittedly as big a jerk as one can be without being a criminal. What employer would want to hire someone that is this big a red flag? Would any of his defenders commit to sitting next to him for eight hours a day everyday? It’s one thing to say he deserves a second chance, but who here is offering to be the one to give him that second chance? - Tharsan
Legally he was acquitted. In my opinion he should not be criticized for a "crime that he did not commit." He did however engage in some violence. Although this violence may have deemed not to being criminal, it is nonetheless unacceptable to society. In my opinion it is appropriate that he continue serving the "sentence" imposed upon him by society. - BC Thoughts
Does he deserve a second chance? What’s stopping him? He’s had a personal essay published in a major publication. He’s free to pursue any job opportunity he likes. Whether he gets that job or not is up to the potential employer. He’s free to live his life, just like anyone else. And other people are free to hold opinions about him. - Cathy87
I hate some of the lynch mob aspects of #Metoo. That said, Ghomeshi is getting a second chance. He was acquitted and he is able to attempt to sell articles to newspapers and magazines just like any other journalist. If the public doesn’t buy what he’s selling, it’s their right not to. Part of the problem is that the product he used to sell was the image of an enlightened progressive. Not surprisingly, based on his own admissions and not the allegations of his accusers, his old customers aren’t buying anymore. To succeed again, I think he’d have to offer a different kind of value, or find a new audience. But he’s free to try, just like anyone else. - Freshycat
What else readers are talking about today:
‘The crisis is not abating’: Opioids killing more than 11 Canadians daily by Carly Weeks
Yesterday, my wife went for a minor procedure to remove a skin tag. The elderly doctor told her that her recovery would be painful and prescribed 25 hydromorphone pills. She asked the pharmacist for 6 and said I'll come back if he's right. She has felt zero pain and she took none. And we wonder how everyday people become addicts. - Stan Duptall
It’s not a failure of the health care system as Dr Kahan suggests but rather a failure of the justice system. Drug use is a health problem to be sure, but our demented fascination with prohibition is the root cause of the suffering and death. A clean and regulated supply would do far more than any harm reduction programs currently in place, and the money saved from fighting the un-winnable war on drugs could be redirected to treatment and education. - WhistlingInTheDark
From the Comments is a new feature designed to highlight interesting and thoughtful contributions from our readers. Some comments have been edited for clarity. Everyone can read the comments but only subscribers will be able to contribute. Thank you to everyone furthering debate across our site.