Mailbag: Pilot was obligated to report on rapist who slit own throat

Letter writer Ryan White appears to have come down on the Daily Pilot pretty hard regarding a former teacher being found guilty of raping a 13-year-old girl then slicing his throat with a razor blade (“Mailbag: I miss the days when there was more feel-good news in the Daily Pilot,” Nov. 4).

I recall seeing those headlines awhile back, but decided not to read about it due to it being too gruesome for my psyche. As it turned out however, the man did not die from his wounds.

Mr. White, in his letter states, “It is journalism like this, that in my humble opinion, reduces the morals and judgments of certain people.” Am I missing something here that did not make itself clear in his letter, or is Mr. White putting blame on the Daily Pilot for just reporting what actually happened?

Mr. White brings up the concept of “feel-good” and getting recognition for generous and kind acts. If the world and its population had absolutely no problems whatsoever, then the feel-good concept would naturally prevail.

The reality, however, is that people being complicated as they are, will invariably always have problems, some to the extent of exorbitant violence made upon other people. When this happens, it unfortunately becomes news, which in turn is made available to the public.

White also makes a point that the Daily Pilot by reporting tragic news may be a catalyst for some other sick individual straddling the fence of violence and nonviolent behavior. I agree with his thinking on this matter, but if the tragic news in question was not reported by the Daily Pilot, it would have appeared in some other form of media, such as another paper, the Internet or on TV.

Bad, tragic news has a way of making itself known. So Mr. White should not blame the Daily Pilot for just reporting what someone else was responsible for.

Bill Spitalnick

Newport Beach

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Pilot should not have reported on rapist who slit own throat

As a longtime reader, I agree with Ryan White. We can see and hear the awful breaking news on the radio TV, in The Times and in the Register every day.

It was so nice for the over 30 years I’ve subscribed to the Daily Pilot. There were neighborhood stories and photos, just like Mr. Ryan described. Those enjoyable issues are a thing of the past. Glad Mr. Ryan’s name was in there one more time.

Cheryl West

Costa Mesa

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Hoag Hospital: What a blessing

I was recently underwent emergency, five-way bypass surgery at Hoag Hospital. My experience during a very difficult five-day stay was incredible. We, the citizens of Newport Beach and Orange County, are so fortunate that such a facility is here to serve our community.

Hoag transcends success into greatness by truly serving those in its care. The wonderful staff, from those who clean the rooms to the extraordinary cardiac surgeons, showed such great compassion and administered such quality care. I am please to report I am on the road to recovery thanks to each and every one of them.

Ralph Deppisch

Newport Beach