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Six Cents

Did you know a former President once sued a newspaper reporter and won a judgment? Theodore Roosevelt brought a libel suit against Geroge Newett from the Ishpeming Iron Ore because of repeated articles about Teddy’s drunkenness. Roosevelt called a list of dignitaries to testify in his defense that he was, at worst, moderate in his habits. Among those who testified were former Secretary of State Robert Bacon, Admiral George Dewey, and son of another President, James Garfield. 

Roosevelt won his suit and was awarded the full judgment he sought, the minimum under Michigan law, six cents. 

Why would someone go through the trouble of a lawsuit, and asking bigwigs to come testify, for the paltry sum of six cents? The action clearly wasn’t about the money, but about clearing his name. This story is the epitome of what Proverbs 22:1 says, “A good name is to be chosen rather than great riches, and favor is better than silver or gold.”

The ex-president could have asked the judge for Newett’s fortune, but he didn’t. He was not seeking silver or gold, but just his good name. The verdict sent a message to other reporters not to spread the same slander, because the next time Teddy might seek more than a nickel and a penny, but it also showed that he was willing to go to great lengths to guard his reputation.

We should all have such a zeal, and for the same objective. Some people’s names are not worth six cents because they have sullied it by their actions. As Christians we bear the name of Christ, and we should want to protect our name because it ultimately is a reflection on His name. Guard your name by living your life above reproach, and nobody can put a dollar amount on that. 

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