Trust, but verify

It is impossible to go through life without trust: That is to be imprisoned in the worst cell of all, oneself.

— Graham Greene (1904-1991)

“Trust me.†We’ve all heard these words at different times in our lives when it would be better to be able to trust someone than not. Sometimes, though, we hear them from people whom we later find were not to be trusted. Such a revelation can lead to an inability to trust anyone. But, as author Graham Greene noted in the above quote, found at Proverbia.net, it is not a simple matter to go through life without the ability or inclination to trust anyone else, tempting though it may be after having been burned.

Those on the Salisbury Central School Board of Education when the embezzlement of $110,000 from the school’s coffers came to light had to have felt not only robbed, but completely betrayed. That betrayal of trust may be the worst part of the crime for which former board clerk Lori Tompkins pled guilty and was sentenced to three years in prison (as part of a 10-year sentence).

In last week’s Lakeville Journal, Patrick Sullivan interviewed school board President Roger Rawlings about the case, and the interview revealed the extent to which Rawlings felt betrayed and manipulated. His regretfulness over the entire incident is understandable, but Tompkins’ actions were her own, and she took advantage of a small and trusting group of people. That she chose to steal from an elementary school, affecting those in the community who are most vulnerable, the children, makes her actions all the more despicable.

It is particularly unfortunate that Tompkins’ crime has created a situation where there has had to be extreme scrutiny and inevitable paranoia over the finances of the school. It can be said that some good has come out of something bad, so, for instance, that the necessity of completely redoing the school’s budget will be of benefit in the long run. However, it would be better had it not had to be the result of criminal activity.

It is to be hoped that as time goes on, those who were wronged will be able to deal with the sting of betrayal and trust others once again. However, it’s a pretty safe bet that if they do, they’ll take Ronald Reagan’s advice and trust, but verify, as should we all in such situations.

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