Soundoff for Dec. 17

Batch Data Processor | Saturday, Dec 16 2006 9:17 PM

Last Updated: Saturday, Dec 16 2006 8:09 PM

Reader: Was it really necessary to publish the picture of teacher Carol Humphrey? That seems like an irresponsible decision by the editorial staff. She is probably in a world of hurt right now, and having her photo on the front page of the paper exposes her to possible real injury as well.

As a retired teacher, I can say that many, if not most, teachers have said or done something in a moment of frustration that they may regret later. My son teaches high school and must daily navigate the pitfalls of incredibly bad student behavior.

This teacher made a poor choice in making an example of the offensive student.

We live in a time when teachers must walk a fine line out of fear of litigation. We live in a time when wrong is right and right is wrong.

It doesn't matter that the student in question was disrupting class, disobeying a teacher, and taking more than his fair share of time and attention from the learning environment. That is what we have come to.

This matter might be newsworthy, but it has been blown way out of proportion in my opinion. I feel very sorry for Carol Humphrey. She made a mistake after a long and dedicated career, and she is being publicly humiliated for it. The media and the public like to complain about the quality of our schools. I think we all know what we can expect when the students rule.

-- Susan Thompson

Reader: What has happened to The Bakersfield Californian? There is a growing trend for your front page headlines and stories to be more like the National Enquirer than a legitimate source of important news.

Isn't the front section of a paper to be dedicated to serious national and international news? Recently we have been opening the morning paper to see more and more sensationalized stories such as the one about allegations against a BHS teacher.

This incident surely is of concern to the people involved and should be addressed, but why have you splashed it across the front page of the newspaper two days in a row?

Is this an attempt on your part to sell papers rather than to cover the many other pressing and complex issues facing our community and nation? As Bakersfield's main source of printed news, we need to be able to count on you to use responsible and thoughtful journalism when choosing what stories to print on the front page of the paper.

-- Pat Cowles

Jenner: Thanks for your comments. The first story about the taping of the unruly student was the talk of the town, and I had no problems putting it on the front page.

Our second story contained accounts from kids in the class who witnessed the incident, and we thought it, too, was one of the most interesting stories of the day.

In both stories we emphasized the teacher's experience and track record. Our coverage has reflected the comments and sentiment of readers and parents, the vast majority of which support the teacher.

I don't think we needed to run the teacher's photo on the front page with the second-day story. But in both stories, our coverage has been relevant, thoughtful and appropriate.

Reader: Who is responsible for printing a half-nude, very seductive photo of Janet Jackson on the cover of the Dec. 3 Eye on TV section?

That photo doesn't even appeal to the average person.

Most of us know that Janet Jackson needs counseling in moral values, especially after that charade she planned and pulled off on TV.

I, for one, do not feel that photo portrays any family values for The Californian, nor for women with any moral character. The responsible partie(s) owe your readers an apology.

-- Franklin M. Davis

Jenner: Although I saw that photo at the same time you did, I guess I'm responsible.

I discussed the picture with Eye Street Editor Jennifer Self. Neither of us had a problem with her outfit, which wasn't all that revealing. But we did agree the lustful look on her face made the photo a poor choice.

I'm sorry you were offended.

Reader: Thank you so much for your efforts in putting together this very special "With the Colors," article.

I can't wait until this comes out, and look forward to seeing all our local "heroes."

There is no way to describe the amount of pride I feel for my son, and I cannot wait until the article comes out.

Thank you again for recognizing and honoring all those who are serving for our country. Have a wonderful holiday season!

Sincerely,

-- Dore Perlman

Jenner: It's our privilege to honor these men and women for their sacrifice. And you're the one we should thank for giving us this idea.

Our presentation of photos of local men and women who are away from home serving their country will be published on Christmas Eve -- Sunday, Dec. 24.

We'll also post a slide show on bakersfield.com.

I'm sure these pictures will be enjoyed not just by the families of these men and women, but by all our readers.

Reader: Your paper, as well as other media and advertisers, likes to use the term "the holidays" at this time of year.

So my question is: what are "the holidays?"

"The holidays" is, in actuality, one holiday, and that's Christmas.

Do we call Thanksgiving "the holidays?"

Do we call Valentine's Day "the holidays?"

Do we call Independence Day "the holidays?"

Do we call Easter "the holidays?"

Why don't we call what it is?

It's Christmas.

-- Joseph Whitby

Jenner: For years we've wished our readers "Merry Christmas" on the front page of the Christmas Day paper. I've never heard a complaint.

Most members of our community probably celebrate Christmas. But certainly there are those who celebrate other holidays.

So while I think calling a Christmas tree a "holiday tree" is silly and the ultimate in political correctness, I don't think there's anything wrong with an advertiser wanting to be inclusive and call his sale a "holiday sale."

Besides, I've never really understood why people get bothered about entangling commerce and what Christians believe is a sacred event. Isn't Christmas supposed to be about something other than cash registers ringing?

Your suggestion that Christmas is the one and only holiday that's celebrated this time of year is not only wrong, it strikes me as arrogant. It seems to me it runs counter to the spirit of charity, brotherhood and "peace on earth, good will toward men."