The judge in the case over Publisher Par Ridder leaving the St. Paul Pioneer Press for the Minneapolis Star Tribune made a point that is good for everyone to remember: &8220;Ridder defends his actions by stating that he did not use confidential Pioneer Press information for competitive gain. However, misappropriation does not require that the confidential information that is misappropriated be used to compete.&8221;

On one level the case seems like a petty battle between two metropolitan newspapers. And to be sure, it is.

But on another level it is a reminder that when you leave an employer you can&8217;t take your employer&8217;s stuff with you. Even if your family ran that company for 80 years, as was the case with the Ridders.

Even if he didn&8217;t share confidential information from the Pioneer Press, Par Ridder did bring company equipment across the river to the Star Tribune. That&8217;s ethically wrong.

In fact, according to the Star Tribune, he went so far as to bring his Pioneer Press laptop, which had figures, budgets and reports inside it. Perhaps people of Ridder&8217;s class forget the value of every cent they earn.

This is the way we have always felt, whether as employees of the Albert Lea Tribune or elsewhere: An employer provides you with the money you needed to acquire the things you need to live. Be thankful for the step up. Be thankful for the bread on the table and the shirt on your back. Be thankful that you might have extra dollars to give to charity.

Therefore, when you leave &8212; even if you are unhappy &8212; leave on amicable terms. The employer did pay you in U.S. dollars, after all.

Furthermore, don&8217;t be the disgruntled employee. It&8217;s a clich/ anymore in these times, and it&8217;s only a sign of failing to appreciate your paycheck.

And most of all, don&8217;t steal from the company when you leave.