Disagrees with story

I just noted the headlines about the spouse of a local elected official, “DUI trial set to begin …,” in Friday’s Frontiersman.

I am so sad for this man (even though I don't know him) and his family, and for all who (may) suffer from illnesses that carry a social stigma. They have some tough problems to deal with.

I am disappointed in you and your editorial decisions. Why is this man's problems news? He is a private resident, not an elected or appointed public servant. I can think of no compelling reason why anyone needs to know more than appears in the police blotter.

What has happened to us? Do we have so little respect for each other — for human dignity and the privacy of the individual — that we think we have the right to know everything about everybody? Have we become a community of gossips and voyeurs? Have we stooped so low that we are eager to learn of the problems of others?

I think you erred in running this story and the one that preceded it some time back about his accident. I hope you will not run such stories in the future, for the sake of the individuals involved, their families and the health of all the souls in our community.

Anne Kilkenny

Mat-Su resident