THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1996, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Thursday, May 23, 1996 TAG: 9605230006
SECTION: FRONT PAGE: A18 EDITION: FINAL
TYPE: Letter
LENGTH: 21 lines
The tragic death of Admiral Boorda should make us pause to consider the effects of that brand of journalism that seeks to sell newspapers and magazines by pandering to our lust for scandal, gossip and news of wrongdoing.
If Admiral Boorda's suicide was indeed triggered by the Newsweek inquiry about his possible improper wearing of decorations, perhaps it is time to ask if such a prestigious magazine as Newsweek should not spend more time on matters of more national concern than the alleged improper display of decorations by an officer who had already stopped wearing them.
The press should never be muzzled, but freedom from restrictions carries a grave responsibility on the part of the press to make sure that its reports have relevance, proper perspective and at least a touch of human decency.
JAMES SCHLEEPER
Chesapeake, May 17, 1996 by CNB