OUTRAGEOUS MISTAKE

I was saddened to learn of the I-70 fatalities late last month, and I was
outraged to learn of the "mistake" made in connection with the drug test of
the tractor-trailer driver, John Kendrix.

Broadcasting Kendrix's picture and reminding viewers time and time again
that he tested positive for illegal drugs was more like a conviction than a
news report.

Now the technician who presumably reported inaccurate results is being
shielded by a hospital disclaimer and a hospital chief executive who
refuses to comment on this matter.

Consider the irreparable damage to Kendrix's reputation caused by all of
this. Were these drug test results reported inaccurately because of human
error or is the erroneous report indicative of a much larger problem in our
society?

Media representations of blacks and other minorities are generally in the
most negative light possible, and the headline conviction of John Kendrix
was no different.

Deborah R. Kemp

Kansas City