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- Subscribe - Contact Us - Rate Card - Place an Ad Archives Revels Classifieds Real Estate Menu Guide Wedding Weather Subscribe Contact Us April 28, 2005 Story humiliated Dirk Binder I was saddened and appalled at Saturday’s full front page coverage of Mr. Binder’s tragic episode. What have we learned from Joanie McGowan’s suicide? That public humiliation is an appropriate response to mental illness? That a cadre of police needs to be glorified for being skillful and not shooting a man they know is mentally ill? That everyone in town should be informed about a community member’s nightmare moment? I ask that the persons responsible for producing and publishing this sensational report write a letter of apology to Mr. Binder and to his parents, who are Ashland residents, expressing regret for your poor judgment. And please do it privately and with discretion. Selene Aitken Ashland Article missed the real story I was shocked and revolted that you chose to fill the entire front page of Saturday’s paper with an incident involving an obviously disturbed, mentally ill man who is the son of a well known, highly respected Ashland family. Your judgement in reporting every detail of this “bizarre showdown,” apparently for its sensational appeal and to extol the heroic restraint of the police officers handling the case, demonstrates an inexcusable disrespect and disregard for this family’s tragedy, and for the intelligence of your readers as well. You have missed a great opportunity for the real story: a compassionate, dignified look into the plight of the Binders and other families suffering with mental illness. You still have the chance to redeem this embarrassingly tasteless story by investigating and reporting on the failures of the mental health and law enforcement systems (as well as other factors) that contributed to this heartbreaking situation. And it’s still not too late to apologize to the Binder family for needlessly revealing their personal and private misfortune to the whole community. Dot Fisher-Smith Ashland Binder’s pain began early I wanted to write a letter about the article in the paper concerning Dirk Binder. Dirk was a boy that lived in my neighborhood growing up. I spent time playing with him and his sister as children and always thought that Dirk was such a kind, nice person. The reason I’m writing this letter is to tell a side of Dirk’s story from an outside point of view. Dirk’s family was German and for some reason some of the children at school decided to make Dirk the victim of teasing. I remember kid’s mocking Dirk on the playground and calling him, “Dirk the German Jerk.” I knew it was wrong and although I never joined in on the teasing I also never stood up for Dirk. I remember the look on his face which always makes me sad now. I’m not sure if the teacher’s didn’t hear or see what was going on but I do know that it was terrible and no child or person should have to go through that kind of abuse. I guess my point is now is that teachers, parents and other children should be aware of the fact that our words and actions can truly hurt people and scar them for life. Dirk was a talented, smart, above average kid and those pictures in the paper do not show the whole story of who he is. I would also like to tell readers of this letter that I know Dirk’s parents and sister and they are very nice people who should be comforted and not blamed or gossiped about. Hopefully Dirk will get help and people will learn from his life. I also don’t want to assume and blame Dirk’s mental illness on the public school system in general but would like to raise awareness that our children need to be taught that teasing and bullying is wrong and not overlooked in school. I don’t have an answer but maybe this letter will bring comfort in some way to Dirk’s parents. Our family is praying for Dirk and hoping for something good for his future. Molly (Breeze) Montgomery Ashland Bianca’s effort deserves praise With horror I read your headline of the standoff Friday morning threatening Police Chief Bianca. As I read your vivid description of the stand-off, my feelings changed to enormous relief for Mike Bianca, the whole police department, his lucky family and the City of Ashland. It could have easily turned ugly, and it is a real tribute to all officers involved that no innocent people were injured. I have followed Chief Bianca’s career since he was on the force in Crested Butte, Co. He has consistently tried to be accessible to folks of all walks of life, and he has taken stands for non-violent justice for decades; it shows in the caliber of Ashland’s current police force. He walks and bicycles his talk, quite literally. I feel gratitude for his presence and his living example of courage even when his own life was threatened. Carol Browning Phoenix Urge senators to keep filibuster If you’re like me and grew up on movies, your first exposure to a filibuster was probably the 1939 movie, “Mr. Smith Goes To Washington.” This film showed the beauty and power of our democracy. In fact, it was actually banned in several fascist states because they were afraid to show that democracy can work. A filibuster is an act which causes a delay of action in the Senate by debating it at length. In effect, it allows dissenting voices to be heard. Those in favor of the current “nuclear option” claim that the Senate can be “hijacked” by a filibuster. This is claim is completely false. Unlimited debate ceased in 1917 when the Senate adopted Rule 22, which allowed the Senate to end a debate with a 2/3 majority — a tactic known as cloture. The rule was modified in 1975 to require 60 out of 100 votes. The “nuclear option” wants to bring this down to 51, in effect allowing a simple majority to silence all opposition. The “nuclear option” would end meaningful debate and greatly harm our democracy. Please ask your Senators to vote no on the “nuclear option.” Karen Varney Talent Vote Miller for school board The citizens of Ashland are fortunate that a man of Howard Miller’s stature has volunteered to serve on the Ashland School Board. We have known “Howdy” for 15 years and feel he is one of the most level-headed people we have ever met. He is a compassionate listener and a thoughtful decision maker. Having lived in Ashland, along with his wife Debbie, for nearly 30 years, Howdy has a keen understanding of the needs and concerns of the Ashland community. All three of the Millers’ children were educated in the Ashland School District from kindergarten through graduation, giving Howdy first-hand experience with the growth, changes, problems and numerous rewards that go along with this wonderful school district of ours. Even after his children had graduated, Howdy continued to show his commitment to the youth of our community by volunteering on the high school Site Council for four years. Howdy’s concern for Ashland schools continues, particularly in this time of state-mandated curriculum changes and budget crises. We believe that Howard Miller is a man we can count on to be fiscally responsible and genuinely devoted to making the best decisions possible for the children and families of the Ashland School District. Vote for Howard Miller! 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