Compared with philandering pols, Letterman got off easy
Re: “Revelations from extortion scandal may hurt David Letterman with women viewers,” Oct. 4
I am saddened at the reaction to the recent shocking revelations about David Letterman. It is not a personal matter when subordinates and interns are sexually involved with their bosses. We have sexual harassment laws because it is difficult to judge whether “consent” is voluntary – especially if you’re worried about what the boss might do if you refuse. In cases like this, where there is a big discrepancy in age as well as pay levels, the ability to say “No” freely must always be in question. I remember seeing Stephanie Burkitt featured on the show and wondering why, as she was neither lively nor gifted on camera. Now we find out that her consent came with a financial benefit. Other more talented employees who may have resisted or not attracted Letterman’s attentions were hurt, since corporate resources were used to provide extra money for Ms. Burkitt. Letterman was in a very long-term committed relationship with his current wife, the mother of his child, so the defense that he was not married rings hollow. And the fact that he joked about others doing what he did is clearly hypocritical. But does anyone believe the media treated him the same way it treats philandering politicians?
Jim Robinson
Falls Church
Mentally ill teens need compassion and support
Re: “Suspensions drop as educators keep troublemakers in school,” Oct. 4
This article enlightened me about the “respect rooms.” Rather than ignoring the problems of our troubled youth, this is a great way to guide them through the process of expressing their emotions and reactions. The use of these rooms will help bring more attention to the need of mental health services for our teens and families. The National Mental Health Information Center notes that almost 44 million Americans experience a mental disorder each year. Is the disruptive behavior of some teens a way to ask for help? The September issue of the British Journal of Psychiatry published results of a study that “emphasize[s] the importance of providing needed assistance and support to youths who have two or more persistent symptoms of depression” We need to support our students so they know that they are not alone. These rooms are a great start.
Milenka St.Clair
Fairfax
Sniper’s execution should not be delayed
John Muhammad is in the news again. His case is a perfect example of our horribly inefficient legal system. Ten innocent people were killed seven years ago, and their convicted murderer is still alive. The date has now been set for Muhammad’s execution, but his lawyer said his team plans to file a “compelling request” for clemency with the governor. If the execution does not go forward on Nov. 10, I think I will be at the Canadian Embassy checking out the requirements for immigration.
Wendel Allen
Alexandria
