Identity not needed for reader
While driving home from my son's soccer game, late Sunday afternoon, we were delayed by traffic. The following day I learned the traffic delay was due to a suicide on Interstate 83.
It disturbed me to learn that General Counsel for the Newspaper Association, Teri Henning is of the opinion that the woman's name should be released as a matter of Public Record. I applaud the County Coroner, Barry Bloss and State Police for having the ethical fortitude that the General Counsel lacks. Public Record or not, I do not need to know the identity of the woman. My thoughts are for the family and her friends she left behind.
Ms. Henning stated that she is "not trying to be insensitive" in her assertion that the woman's identity should be released......It is, what it is Ms. Henning.
Paul Johnston
Seven Valleys
To comment on this letter, click on “Comments” below
It is not a question of whether you need or want to know the suicide identity, or of the ethics of law enforcement officers. Rather, what happens in public and is recorded by public officials is (or should be) presumed to be public information unless there is a clear reason to withhold that information for a brief period. The First Amendment trumps most reasons against making such information available, and citizens should not simply accept a refusal to disclose it. Journalists don't.