Writer unhappy with picture in newspaper
Dear Editor;
I'm writing on behalf of the picture that was published of our friend John Schmeling in the Newton Kansan last week. If you get this paper everyday you would have seen it on Thursday, the 26th.
That was a very upsetting picture, not just to me, but to John's family. At the moment it was taken we were unsure if he was going to live or die. Not to mention they (the Kansan) did not have their facts straight on what day it even happened or who was at fault.
Now, I have already written the editor of the Newton Kansan, but the reason I am writing you is because I would like the community's help. I believe the Kansan owes John, his family, and the community an apology for publishing that horrifying picture of our friend. So please write to the editor.
They need to know that it is not acceptable. What if it was your son or daughter on the front page? It should not be allowed.
If they wanted a good picture why didn't they publish one of the car John was driving? That would have said enough.
The other (accident) story they wrote about the LifeTeam being called in later that evening was a picture of the vehicle only. Why didn't they publish one of the victim (of that wreck) like they did John?
And what I'm really disgusted about is that the Newton Kansan goes to our schools for the students to read, even the elementary students. They do not need to see a picture like that. How do you explain to those young kids what the picture represents?
I'm very thankful that John is OK and that someone was watching over him that very moment.
But the Newton Kansan had no right to do that. They should have asked the family for permission before publishing such a graphic picture. And they should hear about it.
