TAHLEQUAH —
As the story about the local high school student who shot and killed a pit bulldog with an arrow continues to unfold, the details may divide not only the local community, but people across the globe.
Late last week, the Humane Society of Cherokee County alerted the Press to a disturbing Facebook post made by Caisen Green. Though Green posted the photo to his private account, someone on his friends list “shared” the image of the dog, arrow protruding from its side. The picture quickly went “viral,” meaning it was shared repeatedly, thousands of times, by animal rights activists, as well as others who simply thought the photo and its accompanying message to pit bull lovers – “Here’s what happens when one shows up around my house” – went a bit too far.
Indeed, a few readers expressed the opinion that the Press went a bit too far when we published the photo. A couple suggested we did it to “sell newspapers.” While we understand why some folks would rather not see such a heart-wrenching or even morbid image, we deemed it was a necessary element in helping us tell the story.
The report was first published on the Press website, without the photo, a day before it hit print in the Sunday edition. Some online readers who don’t have access to Facebook wanted to know why we hadn’t included the photo, because without it, they didn’t comprehend the furor that had erupted. After all, Cherokee County has long had a stray animal problem, and many area residents feel compelled to kill strays rather than see them suffer, or become a nuisance to livestock. Others who did have access to Facebook also wondered about the photo, but for different reasons. They were directly or peripherally involved with the Humane Society or Pet Pardons, the Facebook page from which the photo went viral. These observers suspected the Press and other area media were trying to “protect” Green by withholding visual proof of his deeds.
These assumptions are understandable, to a point. But there’s little doubt that in this case, the photo itself was the story. Had Green not posted the picture on Facebook, what he did to the dog would have never become public, and would never have made the news.
This powerful image, while distasteful to some readers, speaks far more concisely than written words ever could. We believe readers had a right – and some might argue, an obligation – to view the source of outrage, and many other media sources made the same judgment.
As far as the suspicion we were trying to sell more newspapers, it might surprise cynics to learn the opposite could just as well be true. Most people repelled by such an image aren’t going to buy the paper when they see it, or suddenly subscribe in hopes of seeing more like it.
We knew the photo would be controversial, but we also knew it was important. We draw the line on what images we publish, and we don’t make such decisions lightly. Our judgments are always made with the welfare, rights and needs of our readers in mind.
It’s anybody’s guess what direction this unfortunate story will take now. The Green family now says the dog was a stray and appeared to be sick. Many local residents believe them, and sympathize; they want law enforcement officials to give this young man another chance. Animal rights activists suspect the story has changed because of the unexpected blowback it created; they want Green prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law, and will never rest until they see that happen.
Paradoxically, many people have threatened the Green family, and continue to do so. We wonder why people who want the dog-killing investigated would force law enforcement officials to expend their limited manpower and resources investigating threats against Green.
The sheriff’s department and District Attorney’s Office find themselves in an unenviable position with this case, because of its high profile. We hope the public – both here and elsewhere – will give all those concerned a chance to do their jobs.
Editorials
Sometimes the image is the story
- Editorials
-
-
Welcoming our visitors to town
In just a few days, visitors will be pouring into Cherokee County, as the Memorial Day weekend officially ushers in the local tourist season. For some of us, that means it’s time to batten down the hatches; for others, it’s time for the cash registers to start ringing.
-
Phone record debacle an insult to press
Distrust of government secrecy has been elevated to an exceptional level with the disclosure the Justice Department covertly examined two months of Associated Press phone records to determine who leaked details to the AP about a foiled terrorist plot.
-
Punishing the animal dumpers
Animal dumping is not a problem unique to Cherokee County, but anyone who’s been keeping up with current events for the past decade or so will acknowledge it’s especially prevalent here.
-
Openness on AG the right course
It takes courage to admit to a serious mistake or a personal lapse, especially when the nature of the situation may call for a public mea culpa.
-
Legislative action not encouraging
It’s outrageous to advance the argument that it’s “fair” for Chesapeake Oil to wind up with a negative tax bill – lower than the average Oklahoman paid last year. Yet that’s precisely the message some of that company’s protectors in the state Legislature are trying to convey.
-
Cast your ballot for ‘At Its Best’
May has arrived, and that means folks will be relishing their upcoming trips over the Memorial Day weekend to Lake Tenkiller and the Illinois River. Before that, families with 12th-graders in their households will be making plans to watch their children make the monumental transition that graduation brings.
-
Corporations shouldn’t have ‘people’ status
Since the Supreme Court made its fateful 2010 decision in the Citizens United case, most Americans have come to agree with the cynical statement that “corporations aren’t people.” And most Americans – except that tiny fraction who wield all the power – would approve of a constitutional amendment to make it tougher to buy a congressman.
-
Anti-texting bill still needs look
A bill that would have banned texting while driving was shot down for the third and presumably final time this legislative session, and we can’t say we’re surprised.
-
Red Fern a great family fun event
By the time many of you read this, you’ll already be just hours away from milling around, or kicking back in your lawn chairs, at Norris Park. Some of you might already be downtown before your paper arrives.
-
Progress set to print Sunday
Sporadic readers will want to pick up a copy of the Sunday, April 21 Daily Press. It will contain the first “wave” of our annual Progress edition.
- More Editorials Headlines
-
Welcoming our visitors to town
A Slice of Apple History Up for Grabs
Johnson: Don't Blame Islam or UK Policy
Raw: 80-Year-Old Climbs Mount Everest
Wash. State Man Arrested Following Ricin Scare
Chain-Reaction School Bus Crash Injures About 50
Raw: Scuffles in London After Hacking Death
Texas Students Coach Teachers on Fitness
New Forecasting Tool Eyed for Hurricane Season
Meet MJ, the Bike Riding Tabby Cat
Britain Attack Believed Linked to Radical Islam
Raw: Kevin Durant Tours Moore After $1M Pledge
Man Shot While Questioned in Boston Probe
Weiner Launches Bid to Become NYC Mayor
Okla. Teens Get Video of Deadly Tornado Overhead
School Storm Protection Spotty in Tornado Zones
9-year-old Tornado Victim Loved Family, Singing
Moore Native Toby Keith Tours Tornado Damage
Oklahoma Survivors, Heroes Survey Damage
Raw: Aftermath of Deadly Attack in London
Paperless Scanner, Vision of the Future
