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Show SOUTHERN UTAH NEWS Opinion WEDNESDAY JANUARY 19. 1994 Dixie Speaks Cutler did the right thing I was disturbed by last week's Salt Lake Tribune account of the DUI charges filed against UHP trooper Craig Twitchell. The account was headlined, "UHP Sergeant Orders Trooper To Kanab, Arrests Him for DUI". In Journalism school, writers are taught to develop a "slant" on their stories. It's the writer's way of approaching a subject with a certain population of reader. The Tribune writer obviously decided his slant would be that Sergeant Cutler had it out for Twitchell, so he set him up and nailed him for drunk driving. Everything the writer wrote in the subsequent article, bore this theory out. I hate to throw rocks at anyone, especially another writer, but this reasoning is faulty. I can't imagine Cutler or any supervisor wanting the liability of ordering an allegedly drunk trooper to bring then be responsible for the trooper's in a report-he'-d actions. Who'd want the responsibility? First of all, the Tribune's Twitchell story contained at least seven inaccurate statements, which is simply unacceptable. Sergeant Cutler didn't order Twitchell to bring the reports to Kanab-h- e said that they had to get here. Twitchell wasn't arrested as the story says, he was put on administrative leave, driven home .and charged several days later. The writer says that Cutler said he telephoned the trooper's home and told him to drive the weekly police reports to Kanab. Cutler refused comment to the writer and referred him to the public information officer, as per UHP protocol. Cutler has three witnesses to this. Wife Sherry Twitchell was quoted as saying'he didn't know he was over the limit," does any drunk driver? I don't think that Utah Highway Patrol troopers when driving their patrol cars, should have even one drop of alcohol, do you? She also said that "other supervisors would've handled it differently." She's the other way while absolutely right about your peers do something illegal andor dangerous is practically an art form anymore isn't it? Since I've been editor of the Southern Utah News, probably the biggest criticism directed at me on news writing is that I'm too positive, and go light on issues. I plead guilty. I believe that a writer needs to be 500 sure of something before heshe writes it. If that means that my articles are shorter or not as indepth because I didn't have time to double check a fact-- I can live with that. It's not an issue of me being any more or less responsible than other writers, it's just that I'm trying to remain true to something that I personally want to believe. When I pick up a newspaper, I want to know that every single word that I'm reading is the truth. I don't want to question whether the writer checked his facts or had a hidden agenda. The media is repeatedly criticizing law enforcement for illegal activity and having lowered standards, and then when a Sergeant does the right thing, he is persecuted for it. That stinks, and quite frankly, it's irresponsible journalism. What would've been the press' reaction if Twitchell would've been allowed to drive home and had accidentally killed someone? Fortunately for some innocent victims. Sergeant Roger Cutler made certain that a tragedy like that never happened. that-looki- ng . Letters to the Editor"! Southern Utah news aa a What is your opinion ? This newspaper welcomes opinions from its readers concerning any subject. Anything of a libelous nature or defamation of character will not be considered for publication. Letters must be signed and include your full name, address and telephone number. Thank you for your interest. Thanks to Gold Wing Deadlines AAA FRIDAY 1 PM See LETTERS, Page 5 Dear Editor. I want to thank Mr. Lamar Sullivan and the Gold WingRoad Rider Association for the cheer at Christmas that they brought to my children. They are a very kind group and made a lot of Christmas cheer for a lot of kids. Thank you so very much for your kindness. I wish there were more people like them around here and everywhere. Doreen Anderton Kanab wm coto t r mom f -- o wn n ewtPAPc n The Southern Utah News (ISSN No. 0049-165is published every Wednesday at 26 N. Main St, Kanab, Utah 84741 . The SUNews serves Kane County, Utah, and the Arizona Strip. Address communications to 26 N. Main St, Kanab, Utah 84741 , or Fax 801 telephone rates available Advertising upon request. Second Class postage paid at Kanab, Utah 84741. Newsstand price 500 per copy. Yearly subscription rates to Kane County addresses and Fredonia and Moccasin, Arizona, $22; others $30 (out of U.S. $40). The SUNews reserves the right to edit or reject any advertisement or submitted items. 9) 801-644-29- In appreciation Dear Editor: I am writing this letter to thank all the generous people that brought and prepared food for me in my home, and to thank the people that prepared food for the luncheon after the funeral. There were a lot of family and friends in my home the past few days, and I really appreciated the kindness and love shown to me. On behalf of my family and self, I thank you all from the bottom of my heart Ross Hunt and family Fredonia 44-2926. Dennis and Dixie Brunner Publishers and Editor Production Staff Ruth Koontz Rick Ensle Postmaster. Send change of Man St., Kanab, Ut 84741 address cards to-26- N. Barbara Pyles Feature Writer Myrna Cox Orderviile News Richard Negus Kanab News Barb Kimball Fredonia News |