The U.S. Constitution’s first amendment guarantees a newspaper’s
right to publish, but with every right comes a responsibility. The
Sarsfield’s family pets have been killed. I am outraged and
heartsick at this despicable act. I also want to point out the Free
Lance’s coverage of John Sarsfield over the last year has not been
what I would feel was responsible journalism.
Dear Editor:
The U.S. Constitution’s first amendment guarantees a newspaper’s right to publish, but with every right comes a responsibility. The Sarsfield’s family pets have been killed. I am outraged and heartsick at this despicable act. I also want to point out the Free Lance’s coverage of John Sarsfield over the last year has not been what I would feel was responsible journalism.
First there was the “Citizens Voice” column at the beginning of the campaign, which had no regard for the real-life effect it would have on the people involved. Almost nightly, it attacked every move John Sarsfield made. The result was to create an atmosphere in this town such as I have never seen before.
Next, there were editorials by the former editor dramatizing the political situation between John Sarsfield and Art Cantu. It seemed to me that the Free Lance was sensationalizing this with no regard to the real-life effect it would have on the subjects of his article.
After that, it evolved into almost nightly front page headlines with John Sarsfield’s face on the front page. I think it would seem to any newcomer to our town that there really was no other news.
Then, in the course of a case that John Sarsfield was prosecuting, a defense attorney made the accusation that John Sarsfield was having an affair. I feel Sarsfield did exactly the right thing when he recused himself from the case rather than risking the possible appearance of a conflict. For the Free Lance to portray this decision as if he was trading his prosecution of the case for silence was absolutely ridiculous. Is this editorial bias or ignorance? Where is the evidence of this affair?
Responsible reporting does not allow unsubstantiated claims.
It is my feeling when a newspaper repeats allegations night after night, people will start to believe them. They will lose sight of the fact that there is no proof whatsoever.
Now the Free Lance is checking up to see whether the District Attorney is doing his job with other agencies and then started trying to whip up support for the idea of a recall. I feel they are “creating” the news, not reporting it objectively. For example, they joined in staging an event to take a picture to capture his reaction when he was served with recall papers. There is something very wrong here.
I would like to know exactly what proof the employees in the Victim’s Witness department have to support the allegation that Mr. Sarsfield has had an affair. Could it be that Mr. Sarsfield’s intentions to reorganize this department has made some enemies? If, in fact, there was no proof of any such affair then the claims will be seen as simply leverage to negotiate power and money. I would be extremely disappointed in a department for which I previously had a lot of respect.
I have been very impressed by John Sarsfield’s honesty, his sincere desire to want to make a difference and contribute something worthwhile to this county. We need people who are willing to take public office who are honest, hard working and want to make the world a better place.
I am shocked by Peter Frusetta’s attempt to try to recall him. The Sarsfields have been there for Peter to help him in his previous elections. This is poor repayment. John Sarsfield has done nothing to warrant being recalled. He has done his job and done it well.
I feel that the effects of such a mean-spirited campaign have whipped up public sentiment until it resulted in their innocent pets being killed.
What did John’s innocent children do to deserve this? What’s next? Will this rage by a handful of spiteful individuals cause something more serious to happen? Can the people in this town who have common sense see through this campaign of headlines and focus on the real facts?
As for the people behind these inflammatory articles and false accusations – can you look in the mirror and ask yourself: Was it worth trying to destroy a man’s reputation? Was it worth hurting an entire family? Was it worth possibly destroying a person’s future career? The ramifications of your actions are serious. Think about it.
Alette Prichett,
Hollister
