Editor,

I would like to ask you to give a second thought to your characterization of the recent “tractor chase” story as “quirky.” You also used the words “humorous” and “levity” in describing the situation. And suggested “something upbeat and cheerful” for a soundtrack, if this were a scene in a movie.

To my mind, your “perspective” is more than a little bit off.

Your reporter, Justin Burnett, seemed to have maintained a professional, respectful tone in his careful recitation of the events, for which I thank him. But, you’ve got a 24-year-old whose life just took a major wrong turn, and I’ll venture a guess that it was already in serious trouble; a family member who must have been worried sick and frightened and the potential for all manner of damage to lives and properties.

Yes, even a tractor was involved. Ask around — multiple law enforcement officers and citizens at risk and more resources of our already strapped law and justice department up in smoke and, of course, guns.

Nope, nothing funny there.

You know that imaginary soundtrack in that imaginary movie? You’ll have to come up with something a little less cheerful, because you can bet that in that movie, the kid would have waved around that stupid, stupid .357 magnum replica pellet gun, and the pursuing officers would have unloaded their service revolvers right into his intoxicated, little chest and lived with the horror of it for the rest of their lives. Quirky.

Maureen Conard
Coupeville