Freedom of speech and the press are a necessity in these times when many of our rights seem to be slipping from our control. However, such freedoms should be exercised with humane sensibility and, especially, sensitivity.

Those of us who had watched Trevor Sprague grow during his teenage years were saddened by the confirming headline of the March 11-12 edition of the Bangor Daily News identifying him as the burned body. But the next statement in bold print infuriated me. Why should this unfortunate, special-needs person be known only for his “record of criminal sexual behavior”?

Think of how the family must feel during this time. How would any of you feel if you had a child in the same situation?

None of us have charge of our births and what abnormalities might develop. Such a headline does not provide comfort to a grieving family.

Reflect on your freedoms to write the news, not for sensationalism, but with kindness and sensitivity. You will still sell as many papers, maybe even more.

Rosalie Woodward

Lubec