Reader disappointed in July 9 headline

“Indifference to injustice is more insidious than the injustice itself.”  Dr. Cornel West. This is a quote posted by my computer and one I see every day.

After reviewing an article in the July 9 issue of the Bonners Ferry Herald, I kept coming back to it and came to the decision I must speak out.

I am so disappointed that my hometown newspaper would print a headline labeling someone as though guilty of a crime while the article itself states that the Idaho Supreme Court has found reason to issue a new trial due to evidence showing another person confessed to the same crime.

Labels cause irreparable harm to not only the individual labeled, but also their families and friends. I would urge the Herald staff to consider carefully in the future the content and its consequences before using such labels.

In this case, a young man now has a second chance in a court of law to prove his declared innocence. At the very least, our community should give him this same opportunity.

Boundary County is known as a deeply caring community. Words, especially in print, can tarnish that reputation.

Judy Dirks

Bonners Ferry