Dear Friends -
I cultivate an image as an easy-going, nice fellow. I hope that's the truth. In my effort to embrace candor, I must tell you that it isn't always so.
I wrote earlier in the week about getting ready for a Valentine's Day hearing where an ultra-abusive fellow is suing to get custody of a child. In court, I try to tell the truth, and to admit the weaknesses in my cases. Sometimes, rarely, I'm put in a position where I feel anger or maybe self-righteousness, and on those rare occasions, I might remind you of Darth Vader, "letting my anger flow." Well, that's what I did today. I spent all afternoon being an aggressive, acid and all-round nasty cross-examiner to this fellow. I tell myself that under these circumstances, it's OK, because it's a part of zealous representation. But it is damned self-righteous of me. That's something I usually disapprove of in other people.
As I sit here tonight, I have two overriding thoughts. One, the cross-examination was pretty darn effective. Two, I really don't like myself after I let the anger flow like that. Facing your dark side is rough duty.
Mizpah.
R
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5 comments:
if facing your darkside means protecting an innocent child then embrace the darkside.
the child is lucky to have you.
Sometimes anger is very much justified, and deserved. Sometimes, acting angry is the right thing to do, Roger.
I agree with Spidey.
I agree with what both these ladies. Justified anger is an exception.
Anger can be righteous, Roger. It's all in how you choose to deal with and channel. You sound like you have learned to channel it in productive ways. More of us need to learn that skill.
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