Mon 1/30/2012 6:03 PM
Mr.
Thibodeaux,
It seems that the tone I have used, stemming
from my anger over my arrest info displayed on
your website, has presented myself in a
contradictory way to how I truly feel and how my
life has been changed since my arrest. I do
understand fully the consequences that can arise
from drunk driving, and am blessed that I wasn't
the one behind the wheel and that I've had the
opportunity to change my lifestyle for the
better, for my own safety, as well as everyone
else's. You state that I am angry because I got
caught, its actually quite the opposite. My
arrest was a blessing in disguise. I admit that
too many times I got behind the wheel of my car
and put myself and others in danger, that I
acted immaturely, and that I didn't take the
consequences of drinking and driving seriously,
and that I'm very lucky that I had the chance
for rehabilitation before it was too late. My
rehabilitation came through the ramifications of
my arrest and conviction, and I honestly believe
had that unfavorable event never happened, that
I may have never changed. I still don't agree
that posting mug shots on your website is
helpful to the deterrence of drunk driving or
rehabilitation, but I've succumbed to the fact
that the picture is staying. Yes, the picture is
humiliating and a constant reminder of my lurid
past, and I'd still wish it gone, but as for
getting arrested and convicted, that was the
best thing that ever happened to me. I don't,
nor will I ever, drive after drinking again.
Fortunately, I had my chance to learn the lesson
that had been a long time coming, and
fortunately for me I have the opportunity to use
that lesson and live my life in a way I can be
proud of. I am gainfully employed (although at
the time of arrest I was not) and I do relish
the positive changes that have blessed my life.
I do realize that drunk driving accidents happen
all too often, and I share my story with many,
in hopes they won't make the same mistakes I
did. I understand the picture is staying, and so
be it, but the image portrayed of me on your
website is far from accurate, hence this one
final email. I will never wish my arrest didn't
happen, nor am I upset that I was caught. I'm
glad it did, and I'm glad I was.
Felicia Hurtik |
Mon 1/30/2012 3:42 PM
My Dear Miss Hurtik, and all other "Dears"
who drink and drive,
The decision was yours to get in that car after
having intoxicating beverages, or worse. Having
your photo posted in the news is better than in
the obituaries, or along with a story of the
charge of murder...yes, MURDER. If, after seeing
your photo and story, even one person gains the
strength to say "NO" to driving under the
influence, this report will have saved lives. It
is time for you to grow up and realize that your
actions have consequences, and this tiny
consequence, of posting a photo locally, is
certainly the least of the consequences that
could have happened.
If you are so devastated by the procedure, then
STOP DRINKING! Or, if it is too late for that,
DON'T DRIVE AND DRINK! This may be unwanted
attention, but, you EARNED it.
If you would approach this situation with
maturity and grace, your chance of getting a job
would increase. I doubt if any would-be employer
would appreciate the fact that you are not
remorseful, but angry that you "got caught", and
resent the policy of "public record". Photo or
no photo, this arrest and charge is all on your
credit report, which all employers read before
hiring. You would do much better to take a copy
of this LNO report with you in the interview,
and up front, tell how remorseful you feel, and,
not spend all this time whining about the free
press. This is a freedom you should cherish as
Americans.
I pray that you mature and learn, and that God
will Grace you with the strength to make good
and safe choices from now on.
Linda R. |
Mon 1/30/2012 1:48 PM
Nelson:
Interesting set of emails.
I support the posting of photos and information.
Unfortunately, I have seen people I know posted
on your site. I agree with you that all could be
avoided if they had not driven drunk or under
the influence of something.
Does it serve to rehabilitate someone by posting
their picture? Probably not. On the other hand,
might it serve as a deterrent to others?
Definitely. It's similar to people slowing down
when they see someone pulled over for speeding.
As far as posting the photos, you can go to most
city websites and find the same information. In
the same vein, many cities now post the photos
of license plates of those soliciting for
prostitutes along with their photos. If these
folks can't handle the heat, they should have
stayed out of the kitchen in the first place.
Obviously, you are well aware that you did not
invent the idea of posting photos of those
arrested; it has been around for decades in
newspapers. The internet has just made it more
accessible. You simply have narrowed it down to
a specific geographical area and made it
available to subscribers.
As far as the young lady in the article is
concerned, does she not understand that a simple
background check would reveal the arrest? As
proud as you are (and should be) of your site, I
doubt that potential employers use Local News
Only for conducting background checks. :-)
I appreciate the efforts of your web news.
Have a great day.
Doug McDougal |
January 30, 2012
Letter to Editor
Mon 1/30/2012 11:45 AM
Felicia,
Breaking the law--driving while intoxicated--is
NOT a mistake! You have a rebellious, willful
death wish and you can kill innocent people with
a 4000 lb car out of control!
Get some help girlfriend. The citizens of
Colleyville, especially LNO and Mr. Thibodeaux,
really care about you. Don't believe me, get
help and report back to LNO the help you have
received and you will see LNO will provide the
information on the help you received to the
other people who have been arrested in hopes
they will get help too.
Your arrest is a cry for help and LNO's post is
sending the message to the citizens of
Colleyville in hopes that someone will reach out
to you and help you love yourself.
I love the people who live in Colleyville and
they are all, hands down, the nicest people in
the world. If you ask for help, we will all be
there for you .
Yours ever truly,
Chris Rinearson, Tax Law
Professional |
January 30, 2012
Letter to Editor
Mon 1/30/2012 11:17 AM
Nelson,
I appreciate
what you are doing. It is a community service. Drunk
driving is not taken seriously enough. You are
helping offenders take their offense more
seriously. Most people are killed by drunk
drivers with multiple offenses. People just
don't get it.
Parents still supply alcohol for
their underage kids' parties. A few years my
husband chaperoned a school trip for high schoolers to Las Vegas and a couple of the other
chaperones had alcohol in their rooms they
shared with the students. I was in disbelief. We need to
change our drinking culture and your posts are
helping wake people up and hopefully accomplish
this. Thanks for
what you do.
Natalie Genco |
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