The story has been reported in the Daily Herald, in the www.smn-news.com <http://www.smn-news.com/> , www.sxmprivateeye.com <http://www.sxmprivateeye.com/> , and widely discussed in the various radio-call in programs
This particular incident has caused a very troubling response and resentment within our community although the TODAY-newspaper is trying very hard to downplay that.
In an open letter to Mr. HAAR , which his paper did NOT publish, but which appeared on www.,smn-news.com <http://www.,smn-news.com/> , I advised him to at least apologize, for having being part of this confrontation.
I emphatically stated, that such apology would not have to mean recognition of guilt on his side, but should take away any justification for all the very deep and emotional sentiments directed towards him from many people living on this island.
As was to be expected from Mr. HAAR and in keeping with what many people have recognized to be typical of his character, this was not done.
Therefore, as of immediately, I Leopold JAMES, up to now a frequent buyer of his paper, have decided to stop buying any more TODAY-news paper.
Main reason being that that paper's managing editor, Mr. HAAR, clearly shows absolutely no remorse, no contrition, no humility and understanding for the many social ‘sensitivities' of the people of this island, and of the many victims of domestic abuse in particular.
On the contrary, Mr. HAAR not only creates the impression, but seemingly enjoys deliberately RE-INFORCING such traumas and ‘open wounds'.
For me it is inconceivable, that any news-paper editor who, like it or not, is an opinion-maker and a role-model for how to think and act, can with any moral authority remain in function, within a society, where our youth is going down the drain due to a lack of examples for respect for law and order and values and norms.
While, I will no longer buy the TODAY-newspaper as long as Mr. HAAR remains the editor, I will respect those who want to continue buying his paper and consequently support him in thinking that he can do what he want and that the people will still continue to contribute towards his income and life style and most of all towards his warped sense of superiority.
It is a matter of choice and acceptance of its implication.
For me...I say, thanks but no thanks, I will no longer spend my money to buy a TODAY-newspaper.
Leopold James
President SNBF & L'Esprit de Concordia
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