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Damon Evans made an error in judgment and should suffer the consequences, but firing him is an overreaction. For a region of the country with a church on every corner, I don't see much Christ-like forgiveness for Evans. If you fired every leader who ever drove drunk, you wouldn't have any leaders left. Washington, D.C., would be a ghost town.
Can you imagine how tough it was for a black man growing up in the deep South to achieve world-class success? Can you imagine how hard he worked to land a prestigious job and a multimillion-dollar contract?
The public outcry over his salary is ridiculous. Compensation is based on supply and demand, not public opinion. People don't land multimillion-dollar contracts because they're lucky; they land them because they rank among the world's most competent people in their profession.
I've never met Damon Evans, but I've interviewed great achievers for many years and I know how they think. In 12 months this guy will be bigger than ever. He's a winner, and winners are comeback artists. Don't bet against him.
I say we forgive, forget and give this hometown hero our love and support. He's being crucified all over the national media.
Wouldn't it be great if he could count on the residents of Gainesville to be there for him and his family in their time of need? If one of your mistakes were made public, wouldn't you wish for the same kind of support from your hometown?
Steve Siebold
Gainesville