Justifying the Means

We've all heard the old saying that the ends don't justify the means. It's a concept that implies hard work, fair play, and justice. These seem to be concepts that County Commissioner Teresa Cordova doesn't understand.

By now you've more than likely heard about the controversy caused by Ms. Cordova when she used her political influence to get APS upper management to change her son's grade from an F to a D in order for him to graduate (ABQ Journal - Subscription). An investigation into the incident by the State Board of Education exonerated the boy's principal and teacher who both refused to change young Jose Acosta's grade despite the pressure applied by Commissioner Cordova (ABQ Journal - Subscription).

Today, the commissioner decided to try and save her political career by dragging her son onto 770 KKOB to give her side of the story. In so doing, Ms. Cordova proved that the apple didn't fall very far from the tree. Her defense of her actions amounted to "I acted as a mother" and it's APS's fault for not intervening. Never in the hour long interview with host Bob Clark, did the commissioner even consider the idea that her son was to blame for his poor performance.

Young Acosta admitted, forging a grade report for his basketball coach, admitted turning in make-up work late, admitted being absent 17 days of some 45 in the third 9 week period, admitted that he only earned a 7% during the same report card period, and yet somehow believes that he EARNED his diploma. What's worse is his mother Commissioner Cordova - a PhD. and UNM associate professor - believes it too!

(Sidebar)
Makes us want to review Commissioner Cordova's doctoral work. Is it even possible that her students learn anything?!
(End Sidebar)

Diplomas are a cumulative effort. If you don't complete the requirements ON-TIME, you should NOT GRADUATE ON-TIME. Further, if you don't complete the requirements AT ALL, you should not graduate... EVER. There should have been a consequence associated with Acosta's actions (or lack of thereof). Instead, mommy commissioner stepped in to fix the problem and her little darling boy learned that for him, there are no consequences.

The ends justify the means... and it doesn't matter who gets hurt or how unfair it is. Elected officials who think this way are inherently dangerous and invariably gather power, money, and influence to themselves while taking it away from you.