I am a subscriber and really have enjoyed your paper. Friday, my opinion changed. I was upset and surprised on the lack of investigative journalism. I understand that Marueen Simmons had a side of her story that needed to be told but all that was done and accomplished was placing blame. I also understand that Trooper Smith declined to comment but it wasn’t mentioned that it is Maine State Police policy not to comment. But that’s the least of my concerns with the lack of information and onesideness.
Simmons said “if he had been traveling at a normal rate of speed, I would have had plenty of time to turn into that driveway.” My question is if she had thought she had plenty of time when she started the turn into Naples Pharmacy wouldn’t have any other part of her vehicle been hit besides the front? I’m not a police officer but I was wondering if I was starting to turn, wouldn’t the side (of the car) been hit or the rear but not the front? My other question is…when a plane goes down, isn’t there a black box to determine what happened? Do police cars have the same thing? Is there something that was rating his speed when the accident happened? Was the trooper cleared of any wrongdoing? If you answer yes to any of these questions would your headline have read something different?
“I think that the accident has been sensationalized (by the media) because he is a state trooper. I think I’m fighting a losing battle” Simmons said. “I just don’t want to be the villain.”
First of all, I would be hesitant to use the word “sensationalized.” By definition it means: To cast and present in a manner intended to arouse strong interest, especially through inclusion of exaggerated or lurid details: “doubted the ability of the liberal press to handle such information fairly, to refrain from sensationalizing it,” (Bob Woodward and Carl Bernstein). I feel that Simmons’ side of the story was sensationalized.
I agree this accident was made known strongly by the media because he is a state trooper but I doubt through the inclusion of exaggerated or lurid details. Law enforcement is a strong force in every community. ABSOLUTELY would the media make known when something happens regarding law enforcement.
I feel that Lake Region Weekly could’ve told BOTH sides of the story and keep it neutral. Do I think Maureen Simmons is a villian? No. I think she did what every driver out there does. How many times do we think we can make it? And usually we can. I think an example can be set from this. It’s okay to take a few extra seconds to be a safer driver.
Anna Richard
Casco
Send questions/comments to the editors.
