A message that bears repeating

[SaraJayne]

This has been a very hot topic on my Facebook the last week, as this happened in La Crosse, WI.

A local newswoman received an email from a local lawyer. That message follows.

Hi Jennifer
It's unusual that I see your morning show, but I did so for a very short time today. I was surprised indeed to witness that your physical condition hasn't improved for many years. Surely you don't consider yourself a suitable example for this community's young people, girls in particular. Obesity is one of the worst choices a person can make and one of the most dangerous habits to maintain. I leave you this note hoping that you'll reconsider your responsibility as a local public personality to present and promote a healthy lifestyle.

Her response kicks serious butt and what a wonderful role model she is.

http://video.news8000.com/watch.php?id=36335

 

[JennaDeeDooDah]

Good for her. What evil little swamp insect thinks it is okay to send her a letter like that? Her response was spot on!

 

[smitch425]

Guy was a moron. It was a private email. You hit delete an move on. News should not be about personal issues with viewers. She gave this clown 15 minutes of fame. I'm all for a story about bullying, but I don't think this was the appropriate way to do it.

 

[SaraJayne]

Good for her. What evil little swamp insect thinks it is okay to send her a letter like that? Her response was spot on!

Oh, what's better is the guy is a local lawyer.

Idiot.

 

[Sadie22]

 

[Princess Dolly]

I have to say that was a great response. And I also would like to say that I am impressed by that station keeping her employed. Local news is so cut-throat and so focused on youth (except in the case of men), beauty, image, etc. Most new stations would throw her resume right in the trash. So good for her and her response and good for that station's management for not getting caught up in the certain image crap.

 

[SaraJayne]

Guy was a moron. It was a private email. You hit delete an move on. News should not be about personal issues with viewers. She gave this clown 15 minutes of fame. I'm all for a story about bullying, but I don't think this was the appropriate way to do it.

Actually, if it would have been left up to her, that is probably what would have happened.

But, her husband, out of love for his wife, wanted to defend her against this baseless attack on his wife's appearance and posted it to his Facebook, and from there, the support for her was overwhelming.

 

[SaraJayne]

I have to say that was a great response. And I also would like to say that I am impressed by that station keeping her employed. Local news is so cut-throat and so focused on youth (except in the case of men), beauty, image, etc. Most new stations would throw her resume right in the trash. So good for her and her response and good for that station's management for not getting caught up in the certain image crap.

She's been there for over 15 years.

 

[Heidict]

Hope his name is known all over town and his business goes down in flames.

He is doing nothing but promoting that image that you have to be thin to be pretty or liked. That she is not good enough to be on the news because she is overweight. Who made him judge and jury? Glad he got blasted on the news and apparently all over facebook.

 

[luvmy3]

Guy was a moron. It was a private email. You hit delete an move on. News should not be about personal issues with viewers. She gave this clown 15 minutes of fame. I'm all for a story about bullying, but I don't think this was the appropriate way to do it.

I agree.

 

[SaraJayne]

Hope his name is known all over town and his business goes down in flames.

He is doing nothing but promoting that image that you have to be thin to be pretty or liked. That she is not good enough to be on the news because she is overweight. Who made him judge and jury? Glad he got blasted on the news and apparently all over facebook.

As far as I know, his name has not been released, unfortunately.

 

[LisaR]

Guy was a moron. It was a private email. You hit delete an move on. News should not be about personal issues with viewers. She gave this clown 15 minutes of fame. I'm all for a story about bullying, but I don't think this was the appropriate way to do it.

I do see what you are saying, but I do think the only way a bully (or an idiot) has any chance of stopping is if they are called out on it. Some people go through life as bullies and truly don't even realize what they are doing. This guy may have viewed the email as a polite way of calling her out on her weight. Maybe he didn't see it as hurtful since he didn't use derogatory words. I'm guessing he is rocking in a corner now hoping his name doesn't come out in all of this and maybe, just maybe, he will understand why what he said was wrong.

 

[Princess Dolly]

Guy was a moron. It was a private email. You hit delete an move on. News should not be about personal issues with viewers. She gave this clown 15 minutes of fame. I'm all for a story about bullying, but I don't think this was the appropriate way to do it.

When you are sending an email to a public figure at her workplace it's not a private email. I don't see anything inappropriate with the response or the way she handled the email. People like that need to be called out.

 

[SaraJayne]

When you are sending an email to a public figure at her workplace it's not a private email. I don't see anything inappropriate with the response or the way she handled the email. People like that need to be called out.

Yup, you want to be an *******, you better own it.

 

[smitch425]

As far as I know, his name has not been released, unfortunately.

Nor should it, in my opinion. This guy is a moron, BUT he could be a very good lawyer and provide a very good service to many people. He could have a family he is supporting. No reason to drag his name through the mud and impact his business. Again, it was a private email and had no business being put on Facebook or the news. I am all for a husband standing up for a wife, but publically putting it out there that some insignificant nobody called her fat is a stupid way to stand up for someone. Again, just my opinion.

 

[Maleficent53]

Guy was a moron. It was a private email. You hit delete an move on. News should not be about personal issues with viewers. She gave this clown 15 minutes of fame. I'm all for a story about bullying, but I don't think this was the appropriate way to do it.

I disagree with you, Smitch. I think this is entirely appropriate for airing and think they (she) handled it in a very thoughtful, professional manner. What she points out is very true - people think it's okay to make statements like this (don't we sometimes see hurtful things said on this board?). She did say she was willing to let it go, but her husband and co-workers are the ones who stood up for her.

 

[luvmy3]

Hope his name is known all over town and his business goes down in flames.

He is doing nothing but promoting that image that you have to be thin to be pretty or liked. That she is not good enough to be on the news because she is overweight. Who made him judge and jury? Glad he got blasted on the news and apparently all over facebook.

This is really no better than his attitude towards her IMO.

 

[JennaDeeDooDah]

I would be interested in knowing more about Mr. Healthy Attorney who wrote the letter. No doubt, he is a true physical specimen who is in perfect condition. Likely always walks, runs, or bikes to work. I'm sure he spends his weekends running ultra marathons and never allows a drop of alcohol to touch his lips. No doubt he stays far away from all caffeinated and carbonated beverages and would sooner die that eat fast food or anything that has ever seen the inside of a fryer. Likely applies his SPF 100+ first thing in the morning and reapplies anytime he will be out in the sun.

 

[akhenaten]

Her message to kids who are bullied is important. People being bullied usually feel alone, ashamed, embarrassed.... We as adults need to share our experiences so kids know that they are not alone....and tht they can have a wonderful life in the future... Even if there are still jerks out there like that lawyer...

 

[smitch425]

I disagree with you, Smitch. I think this is entirely appropriate for airing and think they (she) handled it in a very thoughtful, professional manner. What she points out is very true - people think it's okay to make statements like this (don't we sometimes see hurtful things said on this board?). She did say she was willing to let it go, but her husband and co-workers are the ones who stood up for her.

Had the email been sent to the generic station address (like for one of those station "inbox" news segments), I could see it being posted publically, but since it was specifically sent to just her, it was a personal direct email. Had I received it, I would have either deleted it or responded with a message similar to her public response. When I watch the news, I am looking for info on what is happening in my area. I am not looking for 5 minutes of airtime by an anchor who got called obese by one man out of the hudreds of people in the area in which I live.

For the record, I am not trying to argue with anyone, and I certainly see how others feel differently about the topic. These are just my own feelings on the matter.