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October 23, 2009

LETTERS: Oct. 23, 2009

Reader: Stop picking on Larry Wilder



The Oct. 4, the Evening News demonstrated that the newspaper’s vendetta against Larry Wilder continues. The newspaper has handled the recent misfortune of Mr. Wilder disgracefully and unprofessionally. It has used a double standard in Mr. Wilder’s case, and that of the Clarksville director of redevelopment.

Both, during off-hours, were found in unfortunate situations. The latter was driving a vehicle while exceeding the legal limit for alcohol, and thus endangering others. He was reprimanded and continues in his position. A decision, I endorse, although his behavior was far more dangerous than that of Wilder, who put no one in danger.

Some weeks after the Wilder incident, an official in a community north of Jeffersonville was also found driving while legally drunk, yet no Evening News criticism, although, again, others were endangered by this official’s behavior.

The difference between official and private behavior has been persistently ignored by the newspaper.

When Wilder was found unconscious, he was not representing the city or the school board.

A frequently mentioned role of journalism is “to comfort the afflicted and afflict the comforted.” Who was afflicted in the Wilder case?

Mr. Wilder, the only person to forfeit, not one, but two appointive positions. Yet, the news continues to berate him.

Although I know Mr. Wilder, we are not close friends. No one, not charged with a crime or misuse of a public position deserves the treatment he has endured from The Evening News.

— Thomas P. Wolf, New Albany

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