Bad form and extremely poor taste!
Nov. 11 was the day for recognizing, remembering and honoring veterans. The News & Messenger, however, gives its readers an execution extravaganza. Its front page is emblazoned with VIRGINIA
SNUFFS OUT SNIPER and a picture of Muhammad in the crosshair.
“Snuffs out.” Isn’t that a gangland term? Whose crosshair is the reader to assume that Muhammad is in? Did the commonwealth “snuff him out” in a act of vengeance rather than in carrying out the dictate
of our system of justice? Was the headline the winner of a newsroom contest? Who approves such callous and mindless exploitation of news events?
Above the masthead, or whatever it’s called, are the words “Your community: experience it daily.” More often than not, the first pages of the paper are akin to reading the Prince William County police
blotter. Aren’t there enough newsy — though less sensational — community news items more deserving of lead coverage?
As a reader, I’d prefer to read and “experience” more uplifting items on the front page. The seamy side of our community can’t go unreported, but it shouldn’t be given top billing.
Jerome C. Burchard
Gainesville
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