You have to admit, this is a great country! We are blessed with an enduring spirit of “malice towards none and charity towards all” and often embrace and champion those who have lost their way.

Judge Roy "Bean" Moore had been fired, not once but twice from the Alabama Supreme Court, and yet became a nominee for the U.S. Senate.

Former D.C. Mayor Marion Barry served from 1979-1991 then survived federal incarceration for drug possession and malfeasance charges to be elected mayor and city councilman again!

James Michael Curley, former Boston mayor, governor of Massachusetts and congressman was a legend for serving time in prison while in office.

And our sitting president has an equally clouded past of failed business ventures, federal out-of-court settlements, and sordid dalliances that has the entire world buzzing.

Now Connecticut has reason to join those hallowed ranks with the announcement that Bridgeport Mayor Joe Ganim plans to run for governor of Connecticut.

Yes, this is a great and compassionate country.

Marcus J. Fisk

Capt. U.S. Navy retired

New London