John Edwards Asked Aide Andrew Young To Claim Paternity?!

The Axiom Of Respect

Individuals Demonstrate Valid Behavior

By Treating Themselves And Others

Respectfully And Respecting

Only Those Who Earn It

Once again, former Sen. John Edwards is in the news. We didn’t think it was possible, but with these new allegations, he looks even worse than before.

We all know that “Edwards admitted to his affair with Rielle Hunter in August 2008 after months of denials.” (“Edwards Asked Aide To Claim Paternity, Sources Say“) The paternity of Hunter’s infant daughter was quickly called into question, and at the time, Edwards maintained “there was no way he could have been the girl’s father, given the timing of his relationship with Hunter, and that he was willing to take a paternity test to prove it.” Corroborating his statements, his former staffer Andrew Young said that he himself was the child’s father.

Now, Young is retracting his version of the story, asserting that “Edwards knew all along that he was the father of Hunter’s child — and that he promised to marry her after his cancer-stricken wife, Elizabeth, dies.” Young, who “never signed any affidavits or legal papers,” reportedly “made [his original claim] because he believed in Edwards” and then “reversed his claim after Edwards [. . .] dropped [him] ‘like a hot potato.’” Interestingly, “Young was married with children when he claimed to have fathered Hunter’s child,” which does not make any sense to us whatsoever. Apparently, he operates under the same moral code as Edwards, and that is nothing to be proud of.

Why do we forgive politicians so easily when they behave so horrendously? Governors, senators, members of congress, and even presidents engage in completely dishonorable behaviors, and all it seems they have to do is follow the “accepted script” and their careers continue to move forward. (“Why Are Some Politicians Forgiven In Sex Scandals?“) Leonard Steinborn, an American University political communications professor, asserts that when it comes to damage control, “the wife’s forgiveness is very important. [ . . . ] He has to apologize. He has to repent. That is this Calvinist framework that our society works under when crises hit.” If this is true (and it appears to be), then our society needs a new “framework” because the one we are operating under (however you coin it) is utterly flawed: It lets dishonest, cheating politicians off the hook, pressures their wives to stay with them, and demeans their offices and positions.

Furthermore, why do politicians’ wives, such as Elizabeth Edwards, stay with their unfaithful husbands? Commentators on Showbiz Tonight speculate that Ms. Edwards is staying with John Edwards because of her ongoing battle with breast cancer, noting that she has much more important things to deal with than his cheating. (Watch “Wife Deals With Edwards’ Affair“) We feel very badly for her, and while this may indeed be her reasoning, we believe that by staying with him, she is not treating herself with the respect she deserves.

Magna Sententia means respecting only those who earn it, which does not include dishonest politicians who are embroiled in sex scandals. Yes, the right thing to do is often the most difficult, but only when we openly admit our wrongdoings can we move forward in redeeming ourselves.

Anna and Ellie Sherise
Creators of Magna Sententia
Authors of Magna Sententia: The Logical Cure for Our Society

Blacklist Kanye West!

The Axiom Of Respect

Individuals Demonstrate Valid Behavior

By Treating Themselves And Others

Respectfully And Respecting

Only Those Who Earn It

It goes without saying that rapper Kanye West, the self-described “voice of this generation,” has an insufferable ego. We had hoped that after South Park’s “Fishsticks” episode aired back in April, he would finally get a grip on reality and his arrogant, just plain disgusting attitude, as he claimed he would on his blog. (To read his exact response, please see “Kanye West Admits To Getting ‘Murdered’ By ‘South Park,’ Promises To Deflate Ego.”)

Apparently not.

This Sunday at the MTV Video Music Awards, 19-year-old country singer “[Taylor] Swift was in the midst of her acceptance speech for Best Female Video when [. . .] West rushed onstage, grabbed her microphone and let loose an outburst on behalf of singer Beyoncé Knowles, who had lost out in that category.” (“MTV Awards: West Disrupts Swift’s Speech; Tribute To MJ“) You almost have to see it to believe it!

In stark contrast to West, Knowles graciously handled the situation and tried to make up for what was in no way her fault: After winning Video Of The Year, the biggest award of the evening, she did not use the time allotted for her acceptance speech. Instead, she “invited Swift onstage and gave the teen singer her moment in the spotlight.”

One of the tenets of Magna Sententia is to respect only those who earn it, and when undeserving celebrities like Kanye West show such a lack of respect for others, we must vote with our dollars.

The music industry should really blacklist West for his pitiful behavior, but if they don’t (and it doesn’t seem likely), perhaps he would act better if he laid off the pre-show Cognac.

Anna and Ellie Sherise
Creators of Magna Sententia
Authors of Magna Sententia: The Logical Cure for Our Society

“Hulk Hogan’s O.J. Outrage!”: Respect Only Those Who Earn It

The Axiom Of Respect

Individuals Demonstrate Valid Behavior

By Treating Themselves And Others

Respectfully And Respecting

Only Those Who Earn It

The goal of Magna Sententia is to unify our country with the common values of responsibility, respect, and realistic expectations, values that every citizen can get behind despite our differing backgrounds, religious beliefs, and political affiliations. Hulk Hogan’s comments in the latest edition of Rolling Stone present the perfect opportunity for us to examine one of the key elements of Magna Sententia’s Axiom of Respect, respect only those who earn it.

Using his status as a professional wrestling star, Hulk Hogan has leveraged his vivacious personality into numerous television and film roles, product endorsements, restaurants, as well as a variety of other business ventures. He has been so successful that many consider him an American icon, and it would be almost impossible to find someone in this country who does not at least recognize his face.

Undoubtedly, it is easy to think that we all know him, even though we really don’t. Just like many celebrities today, Hogan is “respected” by the American public for superficial qualities that have nothing to do with his real character (what we refer to as “surface attributes and public actions”).

In the Rolling Stone interview, Hogan said this about his nasty divorce from his wife, Linda:

“I could have turned everything into a crime scene like O.J., cutting everybody’s throat,” [. . .] “You live half a mile from the 20,000-square-foot home you can’t go to anymore, you’re driving through downtown Clearwater [Florida] and see a 19-year-old boy driving your Escalade, and you know that a 19-year-old boy is sleeping in your bed, with your wife . . . I totally understand O.J. I get it.” (“‘I Totally Understand O.J.,’ Hulk Hogan Tells Rolling Stone“)

Does that sound like the “family man” Hogan has presented to the public for the last twenty years? Not to us!

All too often, we respect public personalities in every area of their lives simply because of their surface attributes and public actions. Following Magna Sententia, on the other hand, individuals respect only those who earn it. It is perfectly acceptable to admire people’s surface attributes and public actions, but please do not confuse your admiration with respect unless your personal experience with them has shown you that they are worthy of your respect. Just because someone can play football well, act in a box office hit, sell millions of albums, or get enough votes to become President of the United States, it does not mean that we know them well enough to truly respect them.

Let’s all take a step back, stop blindly giving our respect away, and start making people earn it!

Anna and Ellie Sherise
Creators of Magna Sententia
Authors of Magna Sententia: The Logical Cure for Our Society

Officer Robert Powell: An Authority Figure Unworthy of Respect

The Axiom Of Respect

Individuals Demonstrate Valid Behavior

By Treating Themselves And Others

Respectfully And Respecting

Only Those Who Earn It

On March 18, 2009, 45-year-old Jonetta Collinsworth, mother-in-law of NFL running back Ryan Moats, passed away from breast cancer. (“Exclusive: NFL Player Ryan Moats and Wife Talk to ‘GMA’“) Dreadfully, in a sickening display of unbridled authority, Dallas Police Officer Robert Powell prevented Moats and Collinsworth’s father, Earl Johnson, from reaching her deathbed because Moats “reportedly ran a red light while rushing to Baylor Regional Medical Center”:

“Moats said he tried to get his family to the hospital as quickly and as safely as he could, using his hazard lights and trying to make drivers around him aware that he had an emergency. ‘I didn’t run through a red light,’ he said. ‘I stopped at the red light and I asked for permission of the other drivers to let me go. They saw me with my hazards on so they let me go.’”

Officer Powell pursued Moats to the parking lot of the hospital, and when Moats’ wife, Tamishia, exited their vehicle and tried to explain the situation, Powell pointed his gun at her and “yelled at her, ‘Get in there, let me see your hands. Get in there. Put your hands on the car.’”

Luckily, she and her aunt eventually managed to escape inside the hospital. However, Powell “with his gun in his hand, refused to let the 26-year-old football player [and Johnson] go inside.” Even though “Moats pleaded for understanding” and “a nurse from the hospital and another police officer” explained to Powell that Moats was telling the truth, Powell continued to detain Moats. By the time Powell wrote Moats a ticket and let them go, 13 minutes later, Collinsworth had died.

Yesterday, Powell resigned from the Dallas Police Department, and he can be sure that everyone is glad to see him go. For those following Magna Sententia, Powell is the epitome of an authority figure unworthy of respect. Unfortunately, his actions make all police officers look bad and cast doubt on the very figures our society counts on “to protect and serve,” making it more difficult for honorable police officers everywhere to do their job. Additionally, Powell’s young family will undoubtedly face public humiliation because of his ugly behavior when only Powell himself is to blame.

It should be mentioned that Ryan and Tamishia Moats continue to handle this horrid situation with a poise and grace that would be beyond most of us. They set an admirable example, one that our society desperately needs.

Anna and Ellie Sherise
Creators of Magna Sententia
Authors of Magna Sententia: The Logical Cure for Our Society

Respect Only Those Who Earn It: Chris Brown Allegedly Beats Rihanna

The Axiom Of Respect

Individuals Demonstrate Valid Behavior

By Treating Themselves And Others

Respectfully And Respecting

Only Those Who Earn It

Early last Sunday, “pop star” Chris Brown allegedly committed domestic violence against his “pop superstar girlfriend” Rihanna. (“Fast Fallout: Chris Brown Ads, Music Pulled“) As in all cases of domestic violence, it is sad to think that someone could be so cruel as to physically harm a loved one. In this instance, however, the sadness is magnified: How could a successful, “clean-cut,” “wholesome” 19-year-old, who “hate[s]” his stepfather for abusing his mother, beat up his beautiful, talented, and equally successful girlfriend, leaving her injured and alone in a Los Angeles park at 12:30 in the morning?

While stars are coming out to support both Rihanna and (shockingly) Brown (note to Terrence Howard and Rapper T.I.: how could you support someone who beats up his girlfriend?), this situation is a prime example of why Magna Sententia dictates that you respect only those who earn it.

To many, Chris Brown was “like the all-American guy.” “He sang hit songs (‘Kiss Kiss,’ ‘Forever’), danced circles around the competition (with moves comparable to those of Usher and Michael Jackson) and made inroads into the acting world (‘The O.C.’ and ‘Stomp the Yard’).” While these are all admirable surface attributes, they are not indicative of his character.

Perpetrators of domestic abuse should be severely punished, and if found guilty, so should Chris Brown. Many times, prosecutors find it difficult to adequately punish abusers because their victims refuse to cooperate. For this and many other reasons, it is extremely irresponsible for Terrence Howard to say, “Chris is a great guy. He’ll be all right. And Rihanna knows he loves her.” Because Howard cannot know that Brown didn’t do this, his remarks essentially condone Brown’s alleged behavior. Sorry, but love doesn’t leave you in the hospital, and any woman with an ounce of self-respect knows this.

We cannot overlook detrimental behavior as a society just because someone happens to be famous. We cannot overlook detrimental behavior as individuals just because we love someone.

If you are a victim of domestic violence, please seek assistance immediately. There are many safe houses throughout our country that can help you escape your abuser. (The number for the National Domestic Violence Hotline, which is open 24 hours a day in all 50 states, is 1-800-799-SAFE[7233].) You deserve better – and so does Rihanna.

Anna and Ellie Sherise
Creators of Magna Sententia
Authors of Magna Sententia: The Logical Cure for Our Society

Cathedral Of Christ The Light’s New Rooftop Garden “Atones” For Clergy Sexual Abuse

The Axiom Of Respect

Individuals Demonstrate Valid Behavior

By Treating Themselves And Others

Respectfully And Respecting

Only Those Who Earn It

The Cathedral of Christ the Light in Oakland, California, is trying to help the Catholic Church “atone for the sins of its past” by opening a “first-of-its-kind” rooftop garden that “honors victims of clergy sexual abuse,” providing “a place for people to come and connect to their spirituality [that is] not inside the church.” (“Cathedral Offers Garden To Sex Abuse Victims“) According to Terrie Light, who “was abused by a priest at age 7″ and “has been a vocal advocate for abuse victims for many years,” there are victims who “want to go into a church [but] cannot. It’s too painful, too emotionally traumatizing.” Others are “ambivalent — [they] want to be there and not want to be there. This [garden] gives them the option.” (Watch “Clergy Abuse Victims Remembered“)

We are pleased that the Catholic Church is attempting to console those who suffered so horrendously at the hands of numerous Catholic priests, and we applaud Ms. Light for working diligently to make the idea of this garden a reality. Nonetheless, for us, the paramount issue surrounding clergy sexual abuse is teaching children that although treating positions of authority respectfully is in general the right thing to do, they must never blindly respect or trust the authority figures themselves.

Under Magna Sententia, treating positions of authority respectfully is necessary for our society to function. Without this, there would be no social order: Law enforcement officers, teachers, and others would be unable to perform their duties. However, we live in a world of widespread abuse of power, and to keep our children safe, they must understand that even though it is important to treat positions of authority respectfully, if an authority figure behaves inappropriately or hurts them, they must tell you or a trusted adult immediately. Make sure they know that you will protect them, even if the perpetrator threatens to harm them or someone they love. (And if they do confide in you, it is imperative that you listen to and believe them.)

This separation of respect and respectfulness is essential for adults to remember as well. Just because someone is in a position over you, it does not mean he or she can take advantage of you, harm you, or put you in an uncomfortable or dangerous situation. We must stand up for and protect ourselves and those we love.

Our hearts go out to all the victims of clergy sexual abuse, and it is our hope that they will find strength and healing.

Anna and Ellie Sherise
Creators of Magna Sententia
Authors of Magna Sententia: The Logical Cure for Our Society

Affair Between Texas Judge And D.A. Threatens Death Sentence Conviction

The Axiom Of Respect

Individuals Demonstrate Valid Behavior

By Treating Themselves And Others

Respectfully And Respecting

Only Those Who Earn It

America’s criminal justice system isn’t perfect, and at times it has been the source of immense injustice. Nevertheless, it is still one of the best (if not the best) justice systems in the history of the world because of its dedication to principles such as trial by jury, innocence until proven guilty (the state, not the accused, has the burden of proof), and proof beyond a reasonable doubt, as well as its protection against self-incrimination (the Fifth Amendment), cruel and unusual punishment, and double jeopardy.

This potential for greatness is why it is incredibly disheartening to hear about individuals who treat their positions of authority in our justice system disrespectfully: Not only do they compromise America and her justice system’s reputation with their behavior, but they also fail the American people by casting doubt on their convictions and allowing people who should most likely be in prison to go free.

Just recently, it has come to national attention that former Texas Judge Verla Sue Holland and ex-Collin County District Attorney Thomas O’Connell “‘had a romantic relationship’ from at least 1987 until about 1993.” (“Experts Slam Alleged Judge-Prosecutor Affair“) According to former Assistant District Attorney Matthew Goeller, the affair was “‘common knowledge,’” and now questions are being raised as to whether Charles Dean Hood, who was convinced and sentenced to death in 1990 under Holland’s oversight for “killing a 26-year-old former dancer and her 46-year-old boyfriend,” received a fair trial.

Under oath, Holland and O’Connell admitted their sexual relationship “‘would have had a significant impact on the ability of the judicial system to accord Mr. Hood a fair and impartial trial,’” and “about 30 former prosecutors and federal and state judges have already signed a letter sent to Gov. Rick Perry arguing the alleged relationship had to be considered when it came to Hood.”

Living according to Magna Sententia, you treat your position of authority respectfully, and as a judge and district attorney, this means you act in a way that upholds the integrity of the law. It is highly unlikely that Hood received a “fair and impartial” trial from a judge who was sleeping with the district attorney, and there is good reason for Hood to be granted a new trial. Hopefully, justice will ultimately be served, and in the meantime, Holland and O’Connell really should be “publicly disciplined by the State Commission on Judicial Conduct or the State Bar of Texas.” (As of this time, they have not.)

Anna and Ellie Sherise
Creators of Magna Sententia
Authors of Magna Sententia: The Logical Cure for Our Society

Chicago Officer Nevers & Victoria Osteen: People Who Should Know Better

The Axiom Of Respect

Individuals Demonstrate Valid Behavior

By Treating Themselves And Others

Respectfully And Respecting

Only Those Who Earn It

The behavior of a number of Chicago Police Officers and a popular preacher’s wife makes it necessary to revisit yesterday’s topic: People in authoritative positions have a responsibility to act in a manner consistent with their positions.

Chicago Police Officer Barbara Nevers was “found guilty of demanding free Starbucks coffee from six different stores on the North Side from 2001 to 2004, sometimes flashing her badge, displaying her gun and screaming at employees.” (“Cop Demands Free Coffee, But Not At This Starbucks”) Unfortunately, the police board did not fire her for her actions, only slapping her on the wrist with a “15-month suspension and counseling.” Disgusting!

Nevers is not alone in her appalling behavior. Several of her fellow officers were found guilt of: “giving a ride to an unauthorized person in his squad car and having sex with a woman in or near the sergeants’ office;” “threatening to slit a man’s throat in a bar” in addition to “using a racial epithet and lying to Chicago Police Internal Affairs investigators;” “striking a woman in the face and leaving profane voice mails on her answering machine;” “perjury before a judge;” and offering marijuana to Trotter’s to Go restaurant employees. How can we teach our children to treat authority figures respectfully when there are so many authority figures who act repulsively?

Then, we have the evangelical pastor Joel Osteen’s wife, Victoria, who is accused of throwing a temper tantrum on a Continental Airlines flight. (“Flight Attendant: Osteen’s Wife Threw Tantrum”) Although the trial is still ongoing, the fact that the FAA fined Victoria Osteen “$3,000 for interfering with a crewmember” says a great deal. Who does she think she is? Her behavior injures many: It damages the reputation of her faith, as well as the reputations of those who share her faith.

As we said yesterday, no one lives in a vacuum: Not only can our actions hurt us, but they can also hurt our friends, families, co-workers, social groups, acquaintances, and society in general. If you hold any kind of authoritative position, please take your behavior seriously!

Anna and Ellie Sherise
Creators of Magna Sententia
Authors of Magna Sententia: The Logical Cure for Our Society

Catherine Steenland: Judges Drinking & Driving Is Bad, M’kay

The Axiom Of Respect

Individuals Demonstrate Valid Behavior

By Treating Themselves And Others

Respectfully And Respecting

Only Those Who Earn It

The daily headlines frequently include examples of people in prominent positions behaving badly, and while it is a mistake to hold actors, singers, and other entertainers up as role models, judges, pastors, teachers, and everyone in authoritative positions have a responsibility to act in a manner consistent with their positions.

Take the case of Catherine Steenland, the Michigan judge who was “nearly three times over the legal standard of intoxication” when she was arrested after driving her car into a ditch. (“Judge Insisted She Wasn’t Drunk”) Before officers arrived at the scene, she told witnesses “she wasn’t going to get in any trouble because she was a judge.” According to “Judge To Cop: ‘I’m Not Drunk!’” Steenland was uncooperative with police officers at the time of her arrest and ultimately sentenced to six months probation and a $700 fine.

In our society, no one should be above the law, and those in positions of authority need to act in a manner that is worthy of their positions. The quality of our country starts with its leaders on both national and local levels, so if you are a teacher in a small town or the mayor of a large city, make sure to always behave in a way that honors your position. Every time an authority figure is found to be unworthy of respect, our country and communities are damaged!

We must all start taking our own actions seriously, asking ourselves if our behavior upholds the reputation of our positions. Your behavior does matter because everyone else is watching.

Anna and Ellie Sherise
Creators of Magna Sententia
Authors of Magna Sententia: The Logical Cure for Our Society

Kudos To Keira Knightley!

The Axiom Of Respect

Individuals Demonstrate Valid Behavior

By Treating Themselves And Others

Respectfully And Respecting

Only Those Who Earn It

Kudos to Keira Knightley for “refus[ing] to have her breasts enhanced in publicity photos for her upcoming movie.” (“Keira Knightley Refuses Breast Enhancement In Publicity Photos“) It is wonderful to hear about a celebrity who is comfortable being herself, especially in light of today’s intense focus on the superficial.

This is an excellent example of an admirable public action. In our discussion of individuals who are worthy of respect, it is important to remember the difference between individuals and their admirable surface attributes and public actions. According to Magna Sententia, “having respect for others is holding them in esteem based on your personal experience with, or observation of, their conduct and character.” In other words, you can’t have true respect for someone unless you know them personally.

However, as long as you keep this distinction in mind, it is perfectly healthy and reasonable to admire public figures for their surface attributes and/or public actions: Enjoy your favorite ball player for his talent; appreciate your favorite politician for the job he/she is doing; love your favorite singer for his/her music; and admire Keira Knightly for “‘insist[ing] that her figure stay in its natural state.’”

The caution: don’t let this admiration bleed over into respect for the whole individual unless you personally know the individual well and believe he/she is worthy of respect!

Anna and Ellie Sherise
Creators of Magna Sententia
Authors of Magna Sententia: The Logical Cure for Our Society