That’s Not How Any Of This Works

“What is a legacy? It’s planting seeds in a garden you never get to see.” -Lin-Manuel Miranda, “Hamilton, An American Musical”

Settlement agreements happen every single day in and out of court. Many factors contribute to them but they are often done to avoid trial, avoid admitting guilt, lower costs or just allow both sides to move on.

They don’t just fall out of the sky though.

Something has happened and someone has, or has reason to believe they have, something to lose if a case proceeds to trial.

And what you believe about those circumstances or allegations has NO BEARING whatsoever on the fact that

A. An incident happened or allegation was made
B. It is a matter of public record
C. It made the paper or news
D. People have formed their own opinions regardless of the outcome
E. People will ALWAYS see a settlement or plea deal as an admission of guilt

Even if there is an acquittal, it doesn’t matter how much you love, respect or admire someone, there is someone in the world that feels wronged by that person and there are people who share that sentiment and believe that is the case. And some who don’t.

I say that to say this, there are MANY legacies that are forever tarnished by accusations that have been made against them, in civil and criminal court. Sometimes just the court of public opinion🙄

Being an upstanding citizen with a loving family does not negate any of this. Being a celebrity does not negate any of this. Being a high profile person does not negate any of this.  Being an elected official does not negate any of this. Asking questions that no one wants to hear right now doesn’t negate this.

Death does not negate any of this.

The picture you have of your legacy may very well be flawed in the eyes of those beholding it… while you are here and even when you’re no longer with us.

We can’t realistically expect people to walk on eggshells because we love someone and don’t believe they have done any wrong.

I mean clearly if there was no trial or they were acquitted they are innocent. Duh! (Did OJ do it? Is 45 guilty? Did MJ do it? Is RKelly guilty? Two words: GEORGE ZIMMERMAN)

Even when remembering the good, there can bad parts that still linger.

Whether you are ready to face those facts or not is up to you.

A legacy, afterall, is ANYTHING handed down from the past.