Running Heuer story was 'callous'

To the Editor:

Congratulations on your ground-breaking  story entitled “Former O’Side High School quarterback arrested for DWI” (Jan. 19-25). Your decision to prominently display the misgivings of a local 18-year-old sports figure, fresh out of high school, was as callous an act as I have seen in some time.

Spare us the journalist banter concerning a need to report the news. As editor, you could have satisfied your journalistic obligations by simply placing a few lines in the usual Crime Watch section of your “newspaper” as all other DWI arrests are treated. Instead, you chose to highlight this story in a way that ensures maximum exposure of this unfortunate  situation.

This young man does not deserve to be treated in such a fashion. He will have his day in court and face his realities, whatever they may be, head on. Unfortunately, thanks to your decision, he will have to work even harder to cleanse his reputation.

Your paper’s motivation should be questioned by all who choose to read its pages. I, for one, have no doubts as to your motivations — is your circulation that important?

Once again, congratulations and rest assured you have been successful in upholding the fine standards of the American press.

Stevan M. Cohen

Oceanside