Macon Civic Club Needs to Re-define the Word "Help"

I just read a news article at 13WMAZ.com (http://www.13wmaz.com/news/new_story.aspx?storyid=45578) regarding the Macon Civic Club. In it, the president of the club, Robert Woodcock, says a member of the club "misappropriated" $75,000 in funds. Using the term misappropriated in the context of the article is equivalent to calling illegal immigrants, undocumented workers.

Apparently a member of the Civic Club with access to funds, took money that did not belong to them, without permission and used it for reasons not stated in the article. That would be called stealing. President Wookcock stated he had no intention of releasing the thief’s name because the thief has now returned the money. Huh?? So, if your child shoplifts at Needless Markup and returns the high priced goods the following week, your okay with that??

The article actually quoted Woodcock as saying the authorities were not contacted because "the publicity would not have helped either party." Seems someone has their priorities and morals a little skewed.

I think he should define the word “help”. The fact that someone would steal is a serious issue to begin with. Add to that fact, the person stole from a charitable organization of which they were a member. Finally, to top that off, the person stole from friends and donors that had placed a certain level of trust in the thief. It’s horrible and for the robber to not incur normal consequences for their actions is a dishonor to the victims, but more a disservice to the criminal.

If this embezzler would steal $75,000 from charity, for any reason, then they will most likely steal a lesser amount from another victim for a “more important” reason in the future. They need to be punished for their crime and then allowed to make reparations. That would be the best way to help the person that chose to steal the money. Sometimes a little pain is necessary and good.

The fact that Woodcock is more interested in sweeping this incident under the carpet to reduce publicity is disheartening too. He seems more concerned with negative press than doing the best thing for the criminal, the Civic Club and the folks that make donations every year to this group. If he is willing to keep quiet about such a large issue within the organization which he has been chosen to lead, I wonder what else he is willing to do or not do in order to “look good”. Like myself, I am sure people are questioning his judgment.