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Kudos to Wheaton College professor Kent Gramm! Divorce after 30 years of marriage is always saddening to hear about. It is not the divorce that gets kudos, but rather Professor Gramm's firm stand to refuse to talk about it with his employers. As an employee of Wheaton College, a conservative Christian school, Gramm signed a contract which includes statements that while divorce is allowed, the reasons are to be reviewed by school officials on a case-by-case basis. I understand the concern of Wheaton in wanting to foster an environment of not only education, but sound faith and principles. I stand by their policy as they see necessary to protect the students and expect their employees to be role models. Gramm knew the requirements when he accepted employment 20 years ago, and he was aware of the consequences. Still, he has chosen to resign from his position rather than discuss the intimate details of his marriage and its failure with his bosses. Have you watched the news in the last year? You can't sit through a segment without hearing a story of some very public dirty-laundry-airing couple battling it out in front of the cameras. We've watched Paul McCartney fight it out with his wife; Bobby Brown has a new book about his divorce from Whitney Houston; Dr. Juanita Bynum and Bishop Weeks have been followed by the Christian and secular communities; now we have the YouTube divorce lady who decided to videotape her demand for divorce and air it to the world over the Internet. Guess what, world? It's none of your business! And for those who are deliberately using the media to publicize their failed relationships -- shame on you! Whatever the reasons for Gramm's divorce, there are only three people who should be involved: Mr. Gramm, Mrs. Gramm, and God. Nobody else has any right to the details. What would be the point? To pass judgment? To gossip? To be able to look at this couple and say, "Now see, that's where they messed up. I would never do that!" Why do we need to know their reasons? We don't. So although I am saddened to hear of yet another marriage falling to the wayside, the Gramms have their reasons, they have thought about it, and they have reviewed the consequences. Mr. Gramm knows the ramifications of his decision, and he is accepting the responsibility and the outcome. He has chosen to answer only to God for his actions. Mr. Gramm, you have my sympathy, my support, and my respect. I only wish more people would look to you and see that sometimes keeping your mouth shut makes the loudest statement.
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