Armstrong isn't entitled to forgiveness

Neither Lance Armstrong or, for that matter, Tiger Woods, is entitled to any forgiveness or redemption in the eyes of their once admiring and now totally cheated public. Flaunting himself with Oprah Winfrey is a travesty which only serves to compound, not expiate, the deep sin Armstrong committed by duping and betraying an admiring public.

Everyone might be entitled to seek redemption, but let Armstrong seek his in private. Same goes for Woods. These two phonies should seek redemption in private. My wish is that they would just get off the stage.

I'd much prefer that these two faux heroes get out of the public eye and seek redemption in some vine-covered monastery nestled in a remote mountain range, away from TV cameras and even newspapers. But I'd be happy to hear - albeit many years from now - that they are both doing an admirable job tending orchids or an onion patch in the monastery garden. That would nice to hear, even if Winfrey or Nike wanted to exploit it. Would even be pleased to see a picture of them with hoes in hand and shaven heads.

The Lance Armstrong-Oprah Winfrey business (and it is sheer “business” for both Armstrong and Winfrey) is sickening. And so is Nike's recent effort to resuscitate the commercial value of Woods. Ugh! Get thee to a monastery! Or at least go join the French Foreign Legion.

Larry Blades

Iowa City