I began reading this article, after reading the headline, with a heavy heart. There is no pleasure in learning of people' difficulties, and the effects of those difficulties on others — whether or not the difficulties are self-inflicted.

I understand the newsworthiness of a public figure's (or former public figure's) less-than-stellar actions, including the facts of the situation. But I really question the need for a blow-by-blow accounting of the police stop related to this accident, or any accident, regardless of who's involved. The level of detail in the piece really doesn't have a function that I can discern; its outcome, however, includes reader discomfort and/or subject humiliation.

I'm certain these were not the intention of the writer (who is doubtless crazy busy generating content). We all have lapses of judgment sometimes, or act without benefit of contextual information. So I'm not ranting against anything or anyone. I'm suggesting that reporting in excruciating detail the behavior and comments of an officer and an arrest subject — particularly when those details serve only to embarrass or invite judgment — is unnecessary.

The article was apparently just changed, eliminating the portions of concern. Thanks to the editor.

Well said, Debra. I agree. Such sad and distressing news reported in such unnecessary and painful detail. The focus instead should be on the dreadful effects alcoholism has on individuals and families as well as the potential dangers to the public. That can be done without naming names and spotlighting members of our community.
Marge Kennedy