Should a convicted art thief be able to paint a public mural in that city, even after serving prison time?
Asked by
rockfan (
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)
November 15th, 2018
from iPhone
Spencer Reinhard is a convicted felon who hatched a scheme to steal priceless Audobon books in Transylvania University, here’s the link to the full story.
https://www.google.com/amp/s/www.vanityfair.com/magazine/2015/02/transy-book-heist/amp
Recently, the city of Lexington, where I live, commissioned him to paint a mural in the downtown area, across from the Central Public Library.
Even though Reinhard seems genuinely remorseful about his actions (I asked him a question about remorse during a Q+A) I think it’s a bit of a disgrace, especially since established artists in the community have a hard time getting permission to do murals.
What are your thoughts?
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10 Answers
Yes. It is so hard to find someone who cherishes books a rarity. He served his time. He is a diamond in the rough. Even Aladdin stole and lied to Jasmine.
Why not? Being a book thief has nothing to do with his talent as an artist. If anything, it could illustrate the power of sincere apology and redemption.
His prison time wasn’t a life sentence.
He paid for his crime and has shown remorse. If he is the most qualified then he should get the job. Or would you prefer that he earn money by committing more crimes?
Sure he should, if he wants. To not allow him the opportunity would be so trivial.
He screwed up & he served his time…I believe in redemption!!! How do you know that one of other artists didn’t do something just as stupid but just didn’t get caught??? Assuming that he’s been offered the mural because he’s the most talented. I don’t see why he should be punished for past lapse in judgment!!! I did many things at 22 that I would NOT even consider doing now!!!
He did the crime, he did the time, & he has been a good citizen for as many years as he was in jail. I think he has EARNED the right to do the mural!!!
Why not?
Anyway, gestures like that are currently politically fashionable.
Ah, this hits several areas that I question, first and foremost being after a person has been punished for committing a crime (i.e. serving the sentence) should we continue punishment for the rest of their days or should we consider things even and start again?
I think he should be able to paint whatever he wants.
It’s up to whoever gives out art commissions to decide whom to give them out to, and what considerations to apply to that choice.
Yes. I want to believe in the power of human redemption, forgiveness and healing.
Of course not. Like you, I believe in perpetual, never ending punishment for finite crimes, and that rehabilitation is for filthy communists. ~
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