I’m embarrassed for Springfield, Illinois after reading the news this morning in the State Journal Register saying that the executive director of the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum has been placed on administrative leave for alleged shoplifting at the local Target. I’m more embarrassed to read that Richard (Rick) Beard was caught shoplifting previously at Macy’s in Springfield too in February 2007. How exactly did that first offense get covered up and not reported over a year and a half ago, I wonder? With the upcoming Lincoln Bicentennial Celebration only four months away, this is not the kind of publicity Lincoln’s hometown should be receiving.
Abraham Lincoln and shoplifting just don’t go together in any way, shape or form. I am truly saddened by this news and the shadow it casts on the magnificent Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum, the reputation of Abraham Lincoln himself and the city of Springfield. I think I felt the earth tremble this morning, and it wasn’t from another earthquake but instead must have been caused by Honest Abe rolling over in his tomb.
Today was a big news day for Rick Beard. An article in today’s SJR talked about the Abraham Lincoln Library and Museum checking all their inventory this weekend to make sure nothing was missing, and this afternoon it was announced Rick Beard has been fired from his position as executive director with the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum. Sad news for everyone today. Here are links to today’s stories in the State Journal Register:
http://www.sj-r.com/breaking/x1197763081/Lincoln-museum-director-fired
http://www.sj-r.com/news/x635414316/Prosecutors-considering-felony-charges-against-Beard
http://blogs.sj-r.com/podcasts/index.php/2008/10/28/ihpa-official-discusses-beards-firing/
Here is the correct URL for the SJR story about Rick Beard’s firing:
http://www.sj-r.com/homepage/x1197763081/Lincoln-museum-director-fired