OCR Text |
Show I c 'l i i- - I'itss letters to the editor Jan. 13. ss-- at children? Long-tertherapy is expensive. It is difficult and painful, but a necessary process if one is to heal the emotional and physical wounds caused by the abuse. I think Barbara Snow should be praised for her efforts to help and protect the children. She may be in the influencing source by which the children will be able to put their lives in order. Even if Hadfield is innocent, child abuse is happening in our town and by people we know and respect. And it's not just in our town, but every town. My concern is for those victims who are still silent. Will they ever find the courage to tell their terrible secrets if they see that the word of an adult is automatically believed over that of a child? This town would be a better place to live if we channeled our energies towards protecting our children and worry less about how we appear to others. Editor: I am writing in response to a letter published in this paper last week. I entirely disagree with the point of view expressed by the anonymous writer. From following Alan Hadfield's case, and from studying the facts. I believe that Alan is innocent. Alan Hadfield and his supporters must still believe in the judicial Editor: a resident of Lehi I feel compelled to point out that not all Lehi residents support Alan Hadfield and I resent the implication As that we do. I certainly do not sup- port him. The man is a convicted felon. If I support anyone in the Hadfield "family" it is his and the two children. No one seems too concerned about what has happened to them, what they are now going through and what they will have to live with the rest of their lives. We are all supposed to ex-wi- Andersen Rattlesnake lets you know when he's coming field. If you are so concerned about of the lights, I'd share paying your gladly chip in 10 bucks. Oh, but I can't, can I? Because you are so ashamed of your name you just couldn't sign your letter. Makes one wonder what you have done. Even a rattlesnake lets you know who and where he or she is before striking. -- Eva Johnson Lehi be concerned and show support for Mr. Hadfield. Mr. Hadfield was convicted by a jury and should be sentenced accordingly for his crimes. The sentence should be the maximum allowed by law and I will feel shortchanged by the judicial system if Judge Christensen does not impose such a sentence. i We in Lehi have been encouraged through a letter from Mr. Hadfield's attorney to write letters to Judge Christensen on behalf of Mr. special times together be somehow changed, enlarged upon, seen as something other than what they were? Times of love and closeness all parents cherish now seen as exploitation and usery? Thereby, justifying exageration, inventiveness, even lying? Love would die, replaced by disbelief and anguish. A wave of pain fills me, my senses quickly shut it out. For a moment I was there. There with my friends and neighbors. How were they able to bear it? I didn't know if I could ever have the strength. Our boy hugged his mom and went off to bed, but I couldn't sleep. I thought of the children. Not really children anymore. Innocence gone. The time of loving and teaching stolen away. Strangers in small Could It's late evening and as I lay d pondering recent events, my comes into the room. He has seen a spider in his room and wants to be with his mom and dad. We welcome him into the bed between us and as he lays his head on my shoulder and hugs me, I am filled with the joy of parenthood. How would it feel, I wonder, to have this special moment taken away and somehow turned against you? My little boy's mind is so trusting and believing. I am so careful to put only truth there. But what of someone else's truth? What does he learn from others at school? From friends in the back yard? What if he were being carefully led and taught by a stranger behind closed doors I could not enter? Why we print anonymous letters Letters to the editor are an inof an editorial page, like this one. By providing everyone access to the opinion page, the newspaper provides a forum for the discussion of public events that can't be found anywhere else in our society. Television can't do that. One Utah station does have a regular editorial comment, and viewers with differing opinions are invited to do. not many But respond. Television, by its nature, limits this kind of discourse, because only one differing opinion is available per opinion expressed by the station. But newspapers and magazines provide a forum for the free exchange of ideas to everyone. This concept troubles some people who view the expression of personal opinions as a dangerous concept especially if they don't agree with the opinions being expressed. To be quite honest, I don't always feel comfortable with some of the opinions expressed in letters that find their way to my desk, and eventually into the pages of this newspaper. But I don't let that determine whether a letter will be tegral part run. I went through this exercise a few months ago in response to a group of letters I received from students at a local high school. Despite that, we are getting a lot of questions about our policy regarding letters to the editor - and why we run some of the letters we do. The object of concern is a letter in last week's newspaper which was written by someone who didn't want their name to appear in the newspaper, but felt strongly about an issue. the editor's column If I By MARC HADDOCK Most newspapers have a policy that permits them to protect the author of a letter by keeping his or her name secret. That policy protects the person who expresses a controversial opinion from undo attention from people who have a different opinion. To prevent letter writers from abusing that policy, newspapers also require that letters be signed by a real person. That lets the editor know who is expressing the opinions can make sure the so they newspaper isn't being used by an individual simply to further his own interests. Usually the people who ask to remained unidentified are people who want to give an anonymous note of thank vou. But every once in a while it involves someone who has a controversial opinion, and who fears that if his name is put in the paper, he will be harassed for simply speaking his piece. While that approach might protect the writer of the letter, it usually puts the editor in the line of fire when a letter to the editor strikes a nerve. When we decided to run a letter in last week's newspaper by Name Withheld about the Alan Hadfield trial and the subsequent support in wake of his conviction, we knew we would get some negative reaction, since the letter writer admittedly was taking a strong position on an emotional subject. Our decision to print that letter was not based on how we felt about the subject matter, but on how we felt about the writer's right to express his or her opinion. And we feel very strongly about that, whatever the opinion may be. The decision to print the letter without the author's name was based on our understanding of how some people might react to the letter's contents, and our conviction that someone should be able to express an opinion with being subject to verbal or other types of abuse for doing so. After the reaction to the letter, we decided we were right. Oh, the numbers calling in didn't come close to those we got when we left out the Storm Testament one week. But the feelings were very strong. One man told me I was more of a coward than the author of letter for not printing the writer's name, right after I told him that if I had printed the name, he would be calling that person instead of me, wouldn't he? Several others commented on the author's lack of courage and questioned our policy - which, by the way, will remain as it is: letters must be signed, but the name will be '' . v withheld for a good reason. The letter also prompted a number of other letters supporting the unsigned letter - which surprised me. Our impression was that the Lehi community is solidly behind the efforts to clear Hadfield. Several letters show that is not the case, and apparently a number of readers our identified with stongly anonymous letter writer. Some of the letters were signed, and we will print as many of those as we have room for. If some were signed, and the authors had asked us to withhold their names, we probably would. So far, none have. Other letters weren't signed, and we won't print those at all. That's our policy. On a personal level, I'm looking forward to the day I can say, "Dear readers, we have printed enough letters on this case to examine all sides of the issue, and at this point we will not print any more." As far as I can see, all the controversy this case has generated simply continues to polarize Lehi residents - and its resolution lies in the courts and not through public comment. Until then we will print those letters that aren't libelous and that are signed, with or without the author's name, as he or she wishes. Not because we agree with them, but because we agree with their right to express an opinion. Writer's block, yule blues gifts of season Have you ever heard of writer's block? That's my affliction this week. It seems that I have excuses each week for not being ready for the week's paper. Last week I was recuperating from the flu, and I had the It's always such an emotionally draining experience to take down the tree and put away the Christmas tree stand, garlands, lights and pine cones. We left them sitting around the living room until John took pity on us and hauled the stuff downstairs and the tree outside. And with it went a little piece of my heart. There's such a nostalgia there. You say to yourself, "This had to be one of the best Christmases of all time." Then you remember the times when you were a couple enjoying the holiday. It's really different being one again. You're sort of like a little but not kid hoping for the best the best. expecting really is second sort best. of Everything Oh, the kids try hard, and they nearly succeed, but things don't get the best of me until we put you better believe it T - y for all my blessings. That's the sure cure.) By next week I'll have the writer's block whipped. And. if there's ever a town crisis like there's been the past month, I'll ask Brett for an early vacation. Donna was in two wrecks on the icy streets, almost totaled two cars. She wasnt hurt in either, mot much, anyway). Now, that's a blessing to be thankful for! I'm happy for Alta and Glen because Stan has moved from Oregon to Salt Lake City, and now they can grandpa and grandma the ( triplets to pieces. ' By BETTY FOWLER cverytning away until next year. That's always tough. But Cher, in the commercial, says, "When the going gets tough, the lough get going." So, I'll Iry lo remove my writers block by running outside and inhaling some crisp, icy, fresh air and tli.ink my lucky stars Lehi because I believe that if I ever needed help, the townspeople would support me. I do not believe that a principal and stake president have abused their positions in publically supporting Hadfield's cause. In fact, I believe it is their responsibility, as leaders in our community, to aid in such a function as the rally held in Hadfield's behalf. believe I also that editorials as strongly opiniated as the ones printed in this paper recently must contain a signature, and any paper that does not require such signatures stands in question. If a person believes strongly enough in an issue to have it published, he should stand behind his name. whole-heartedl- y -- Stacey Hadfield Hadfield to help vindicate him and despell the negative image of Lehi that has arisen from all this. I am sure the image of Lehi has been tarnished, but Mr. Hadfield is responsible for that, not all the Lehi citizens. I find it hard to understand how the image of Lehi will improve if we all support Mr. Hadfield, a man convicted of sexual abuse of his own children. If this letter campaign sponsored by friends and family of Mr. Hadfield does influence Judge Christensen, it will make a mockery jury's decision, the time and effort spent by our investigators and prosecutors, and the whole judicial system. I certainly hope the judge will not be influenced to impose a mild sentence or no sentence. The jury convicted Mr. Hadfield on a felony charge, not a parking ticket. The sentence imposed should befit the crime committed. I have faith in Judge Christensen and believe that it will. of the -- Joyce (Misdom) Soqui Lehi Public opinion can help make changes in laws Editor: -- Vicki system, or else why even work for a retrial? If the writer of last week's letter believes in the judicial system so emphatically, then why did he even mention the possibility of court negligence in a retrail? I do not believe that Lehi has been made a "laughing stock," but that it has gained recognition for its cohesiveness during times of trouble. I feel very secure living in Letter campaign should not influence judge seven-year-ol- Editor: To Name Withheld, whose letter was in last week's Free Press : I'd hate to be your son if he was accused of a crime he hadn't done. With your attitude, you would kick him out to the wolves, but he might be lucky enough to run into a caring principal and a special stake president. As for the public building, it belongs to everybody, to me, to you, and also to our friend, Alan Had 2 Community has not become laughing stock' There are better ways to upgrade Lehi's image Editor: I am very angry and disappointed over the activities regarding the Hadfield trial. The major concern seems to be towards improving the town's image and showing the rest of the world what a nice place Lehi is to live. That's all well and good, but Lehi isn't any different than any other town or city in the United States as far as child abuse is concerned. our community's Improving image is a noble cause, but I think there are better ways to accomplish this other than rallies and fund raisers for a man convicted of child abuse. I question the integrity of a town where its citizens are more concerned with their reputation than with the safety ofv their children. It is very disturbing to me when innocent children who have been victimized are shunned while those implicated as perpetrators are revered. Maybe it's time to reevaluate our priorities. Where are the fund raisers and support systems to help the liii sil;iv, - Phebe's back problems are not serious and she's feeling better, and Bill and Candy are regaling me with stories of their Christmas. Woe to Sal for giving Betsy a boomerang for Christmas. They told Bill the boomerang was to be hung on the wall, not to throw at the neighbors Sal said. My grandkids sent thank you letters saying they liked the gilts I'd t sent. Jason used his money for a his is Ben and counting pass, nickels. Joel is hoping for more money to fit the pockets of his new wallet, and Jared is waiting for a ski-lif- trip to MacDonalds to get his Big Mac. The ones who got books liked them, and Chris liked his tool set. Anyway, even though Matt had to give up his malarkey, he had a good Christmas because his great uncle gave him his favorite shotgun. When Candy and Bill left home to go on a shopping trip, Candy said to Matt, "Remember now, NO malarkey." Matt, rolled around on the floor with his hands on his face, moaning , Oh no! You're not taking away my 1 malarkey are you? Oh no, can't believe this. No malarkey! Oh, Mom, how can you deprive me of my malarkey?" Have you read what Gary Hart said about his not being the first adulterer in the White House. My goodness. I can't believe our present-da- y politicians. How much of this crap do they think they can stuff down our throats. Well, my goodness. If he isn't the first adulterer to run for president, 1 sure do hope he's the last - or at least the last to brag about it! And that 's my thought for the day. bodies. Someday they would be 20. Would they still be confusing realities? Holding on to created fantasy? Would their dad still be in prison? Would they be able to face him? A friend had said he had no feeling anymore for the adults who had become so bitter. They had made their choices and would have to live with the consequences. But the children. OK, the children. Someone, somewhere, someday is going to have to pay an incredible price. It's the next evening now and my wife and I are traveling to Salt Lake. Our son is between us on the front seat. As we pass the bright lights of the prison complex at the Point of the Mountain, my son gets sleepy and rests his head on my shoulder. I try to imagine being behind those prison walls and not being able to be with my family and carry on our hopes and dreams. It's not fair what's happening to my friends. In spite of my absolute knowledge of their innocence, the wheels of government grind on. Soon I may have to visit them there. I feel a yearning to help them, to share their grief and pain. Hoping and praying doesn't seem to be enough. Hesitantly I almost See LETTERS on page 3 Here's what it takes to be a writer "Do you have the qualifications to be a writer?" asked the radio spot for the writing school. "Could you have career as a a successful writer? Send for our free analysis." I heard the blurb and smiled. Hah. I'll bet they wouldn't dare list the real qualifications someone would have to meet to be a writer and I bet they never tell you what 95 percent of us who write know - it rarely pays well. But then, a writing school won't change someone who is already destined to be a writer. He or she is doomed. And I don't believe they can make a writer out of someone who isn't already hooked into it. It's a destiny kind of thing. In the first place, someone has to be a bit strange to want to be a writer. Writers write. They expose themselves, those around them. They live in the open. Their lives are fair game. It helps immensely if someone who wants to write already enjoys aggravation and pain and having people mad at you much of the time. It's often necessary to stick your nose into places people don't want your news-nosIt's often necessary to be just plain ornery about getting information. You have to be stubborn, insightful and careful. I'll bet the store selling "writing as a career" doesn't tell you that to be a writer means to put yourself and all that you are before an unfeeling and highly critical public. They probably don't mention the fact that people reading a writer's article expect that writer to know all - who's telling the truth, who's at fault, how everybody's name is spelled and all the technical jargon that fit the particular occupation. The writing school people probably tell you a writer or reporter is expected to look it up and spell everything correctly and to use the English language properly but I doubt they tell you about the need for nerve and raw courage as one walks into a roomful of angry citizens for a story. I doubt they spend much time telling you about the techniques involved in interviewing someone who doesn't want to talk. I think they ought to be upfront-abo- ut the tough stuff. It would save fledgling writers a lot of heartache if they went into writing expecting to sacrifice themselves and their lives for a faceless audience. I wish I'd known years ago. This writing school should have a little sample survey that reads something like this: Do you have anything to hide? Can you be spontaneous, clever and creative on a regular basis? Can you sense where there is a story even when people are telling you there's nothing to be told? Do you like to learn new things, meet new people, make new enemies? Are you unafraid of the unknown? Can you maintain a balance between healthy cynicism and honest idealism? tidbits well-payin- g e. tough-skinne- d, Copyright Sharon Morrey Hv SHARON MORREY The realistic aptitude test would measure how structured a person can be and still be a writer, because good writers can't be structured and yet must work within a structure. "Can you stand a cut?" would be a fitting question. Writers necessarily have large egos and f hey experience physical pain when editors slice their work. You have to be able to take it. I don't know if I'd have chosen to be a writer if I'd "known then what I know now." On the other hand, it probably wouldn't have changed things much. I pretty well expected the long meetings, the busy signals, the delays, the frantic pace of meeting deadlines, the frustration of waiting for information or for a major story to break. It was no surprise to me when I got my first threat of a lawsuit. I expected the disagreement, the indignation over a controversial story (I still think the only way a writer can tell if something has been reported fairly is if both sides are mad.) I did not expect to have to take the blame for ruined careers, failed marriages and someone's poor health. I did not expect to be responsible for whatever "someone meant to have said" in a story. I did not anticipate the pain it would cause for me when I had to write a story that hurt someone I knew. I get upset when readers don't recognize the difference between the messenger and the messages they don't like to hear. So, if I were in charge of this phantom writing school I would tell the kids, "Look, if you want to be a writer, you better be willing to lay" yourself out, go on line for a principle, protect a right when that right's being abused, champion a cause just because its a worthy one, get the truth and the paper out no matter what, just because you believe someone should do it." I would tell them that in spite of all the peril, I would still be a writer because I have two of the very basie qualifications that put me and would put them, here - I'm crazy and I love it. I would encourage them but only if they want to be crazy, too. |