Letters to the Editor

+ Cover of 9/11 issue was in bad taste
The photo of the front cover of your paper of the World Trade Center towers was done in bad taste. I am a former New Yorker, moved here years ago, and the picture you have on the cover is undignified of those who died from the tragedy. The front cover of your paper should have similar photos like the paper companies up North where they view the Manhattan skyline with a distant background drop image of the WTC buildings before the tragedy.

Why would you display murder on the front cover of the paper and make us remember that? We know what happened, but 9/11 should be in loving memory of those who died and have a more “peaceful” photo of the city to properly memorialize the people and the events. You should photograph the new downtown Manhattan to properly dedicate the day to the people and families who lost loved ones. Furthermore, 9/11 was not just about the WTC; it was also the Pentagon and Shanksville, Pa. I feel your front cover is insensitive to the event, and you obviously are not from the Northeast part of the country or you would have never placed that picture on the front. That picture is just as bad as if you had placed photos of those who jumped from the buildings — you’re displaying murder, and that is terrible you did that. I hope next year, you have a more dignified way of remembering 9/11 and have more compassion for those who experienced it.
Nicole Hall
Lakewood Ranch

+ Thanks for 9/11 remembrance coverage
The Mending the Broken Plate 9/11 Community Commemoration was well-attended with nearly 900 folks participating. I believe this response was in a large part due to the Sarasota Observer’s pre-event coverage.

New York City retired firefighter Johnny Schroeder, who testified at the commemoration as among the first 15 to enter the towers, said this was the best 9/11 anniversary he has had. His friends say that since the commemoration, Johnny is smiling again.

Thank you for reporting the commemoration in the Observer, so that Johnny’s testimony could touch so many.
Goodwill Chaplain Tom Pfaff
Chairman Sarasota
Ministerial Association