Tragedy
Mike Matthews at Down With Absolutes! has the following blind item:
I’ve heard from three independent sources that an awful event has occurred with one member of the family of a candidate running for statewide office. My sources tell me a suicide attempt was made and that the news will be breaking in the next 24-48 hours.
Over there, I commented that I think Mike should reveal the name of the candidate, not for “scoop” purposes, but since he has posted this blind item, we are all forced into a ghoulish guessing game as to who it is. Regardless of who the candidate is, it is horrible and tragic news and of course our prayers and best wishes will go out to whomever has suffered such a tragedy, no matter who he or she is.
I agree. If you consider it newsworthy, tell us who it is. If you don’t think its appropriate to say, then don’t mention it at all. Otherwise, sorry to say, but its just as lurid and sleazy to tease the story and start everyone guessing. I’m not saying I want to know – I’d actually prefer an apology to the readership in this case for having started this gossip.
I would have kept it to myself. I don’t know that it serves a public purpose, but I disagree that it would be better to publish the name.
I think we can wait a day or two without speculating. The fact that he withheld the name until the family steps forward shows decency.