March 25, 2010

Stories need to be told Dear ER: Thank you for writing this kind and sensitive article (“Friends say student who took life was friendly, outgoing,” ER Mar. 18, 2010). Hopefully, other reporters will model their coverage of suicides in such a way. You have provided an incredible balance of information and answers to questions everyone has, yet avoided harmful sensationalism, which could precipitate the development of suicide clusters. I think it is very hurtful both immediately and long term to ignore a death by suicide, both to the family and the community. Healing and ultimately prevention and the decreased stigma of suicide and mental illness begins with acknowledgement and discussion. In my opinion, your voice as professional, talented writers benefits everyone. Susan Phillips Web site comment TimingDear ER: Was it DD that caused the property values to drop or was it the sub-prime market collapse that caused a devaluation of virtually all property (“City, schools land swap deal collapses”)? Let’s not put a political spin on this and just call it what it is; unfortunate timing. South Bay Guy Web site comment Wash-out Dear ER: “We really wanted to be able to find a point where…

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