I was shocked to discover, in The Leader, the names of 23 individuals arrested in Jefferson County between May 21 and June 1. 

Some were arrested for driving under the influence, and others for carrying unidentified drug paraphernalia or “malicious mischief.” 

I can understand publishing names of registered sex offenders who have not shown evidence of rehabilitation, but opening people who have committed non-violent crimes to the possible loss of jobs and housing, as well as public approbation, is beyond the pall. 

Your anything-but-enlightened practice brings to mind what happened to gay men and transvestites in the pre-Stonewall era, when gay bars were raided, names published, and people literally forced to relocate to other communities.

I would never make light of the danger posed by people driving under the influence. But alcohol and drug addiction are illnesses; they are not reasons to force people to wear the scarlet letter as they hopefully go through the process of self-evaluation, making amends, and changing their lives. 

What is the rationale for your decision to publish these names? We, your longtime subscribers and readers, deserve to know. 

I would also note that printing the results of health inspections without any insight into the establishment’s history or efforts to correct are, IMHO, of limited value. 

I, and, I suspect, many others look forward to your response. 

Editor’s note: Printing the names of those arrested locally is not only public record, but shows statistics for local crime, public safety and the types of offenses taxpayer funds help support through local law enforcement and the jail system.