After reading in the Sun Journal details regarding the Auburn mayor’s recent arrest and case findings, I remember feeling extremely disturbed and, for lack of a better word, lost.

I was flabbergasted when I read how the Sun Journal hired lawyers to have information released for publication. I know that this is a country of freedom of speech and certainly everyone is capitalizing on it, however, there is something very deep and raw in your presentation of it.

It is very important to understand that, as citizens, we cannot blame anyone or attempt to fix the dysfunctional if what is portrayed in the media teaches everyone, every day, how to be coercive, unjust, sneaky and grossly preoccupied in someone else’s business. Yes, he is an elected public official. However, I believe the Sun Journal stepped over the line in the name of getting the story.

It isn’t enough anymore to be in journalism and to keep your personal integrity. It also isn’t enough to utilize personal boundaries and respectable work ethic in reporting. It seems a prerequisite to a good story is one with racial epithets, discrimination, victimization and preoccupation with someone’s difference, and a grossly negative, yet entertaining, story that only further perpetuates hate, discrimination and mistrust amongst people.

If change is going to happen and our trust in each other restored, it must start somewhere. In my eyes, the media needs to take its powerful role and use it for things that will matter years from now.

Bill Lagasse, Auburn