It’s not a shame for Petter Northug

–

I’m probably one of the apparently few who think it’s not a shame for Petter Northug, and some reasons for just this I will explain now.

But first; this is not about judging, but about separating the case from the person and seeing the case in a larger perspective, as well as putting the responsibility where it should be: with Petter Northug.

Giving support only in this specific case can have ripple effects we do not want – because sometimes support is the same as acceptance, and people should be a little aware of this!

An isolated action usually does not provide much information, but it does do repetitive actions. If these repetitive actions endanger the lives and health of other people, they and possibly others who observe this should take action.

It is now six years since Petter Northug drove over a roundabout, cut down signs and ended up in the guardrail in Byåsen – it could have been one or more children he cut down. Northug, who was driving under the influence, then ran away from the scene and blamed his friend. This is gross!

Nevertheless, I wrote a supportive post at the time – because we are all human. We all make mistakes, and do not get either – and it is human to panic in stressful situations. But when the repentant sinner who promises penance and improvement repeats the “feat” and once again endangers the lives of others, then this does not deserve support – for support legitimizes this type of wrongdoing. People should now realize this.

Northug is old enough to take responsibility yourself. It is “a pity for Petter Northug and he needs help”, it is said. Well, this was probably in place to think last time, but not now, because the man has obviously not learned. Which, of course, is fine if it’s just his own life and health – but when he’s once again endangering other people’s lives – he no longer has my respect.

I see that several in Northug’s support apparatus point out that Northug has had too many “yes-people” around him, as if this is an excuse for his repetitive actions. It is not.

Northug is a well-adult man who knows as well as everyone else – including children – that breaking speed limits and driving under the influence is illegal and very dangerous.

Again, one case should be learning enough – and luckily no one was hurt then. When this happens again, this may unfortunately indicate that Northug has broken the law on several occasions and been stopped in two of them. It is naive to believe otherwise.

That’s why it’s a lot Concerned that companies still choose to support this type of repetitive behavior, for again – this gives us a lot of information and legitimizes a lifestyle and actions that are directly reprehensible. This is not about judging – but about withdrawing previous support – because sometimes support is the same as acceptance.

–