No Need for Graphic Photo

To the Editor:

While I can understand the need for “jolt-journalism,” I think the decision to print the photo of the flaming truck on Hwy 71 that was burning the young man from Dime Box to death was insensitive, and unnecessary.

I did not personally know this young man, or his family, but I’m certain we can all agree that it has to be hard to lose your 21 year old son in a traffic accident. But to visually see a photo of the fireball engulfing the cab of the truck, knowing that your son was in the middle of it, being incinerated at that very moment; I think that’s something that, once seen, the young man’s family will never be able to erase from their memories.

All I ask is that you stop and take a second to think about, and visualize, a photo like that involving your son, daughter, or other family member. I just simply think it’s something you would never be able to get out of your head. Was it necessary to show the fireball engulfing the cab of the truck? Could the story not have been told as well with a different photo of the aftermath of the accident? Perhaps not; I don’t know, you’re the professionals.

Just one guy’s opinion. Thanks for taking the time to read it.

Steve Veselka Katy

Katy