Publisher should stick to facts, not hearsay
I have read the stories that contained some facts, but mostly opinions and hearsay each week about Dan Resler. Against my better judgment, I can't stay quiet any longer. I for one think that we should commend Dan for taking total responsibility for what he has done.
I think that the callused, unfeeling writings of the local Valley Press publisher, Dan Drewry, are those that make me sick at heart and want never to read the local paper again. Mr. Drewry is going on mostly hearsay with an occasional fact thrown in the mix.
Why not make a concerted effort and print strictly facts. People read these stories and believe what they have read. He hasn't made the effort to actually talk to Dan and ask how he really feels. There is no way he knows what Dan felt after this accident and doesn't care, shown by his insensitive ramblings in the local paper. There were repeated numbers of people saying that the two “innocent” boys weren't as close to the edge of the road prior to the accident as some people stated. Maybe records should be checked to see if any 911 calls were made to support that fact.
Though I don't condone driving under the influence, I do know it happens. I also feel that someone not under the influence could just have easily hit those boys as any person under the influence of drugs or alcohol.
Remember this fact, the so-called DUI blood test was compromised. Dan could have easily changed his plea to innocent and went further into the court system to get his punishment. But he stood strong and took responsibility and the punishment he was given.
So, give the guy a little credit; not everyone would have made that brave decision.
I have known Dan since he was a kid. I have watched him grow into a hard working, conscientious, fine young man who made an unfortunate mistake.
One that, I know for a fact, he wishes he could undo in a heartbeat and spare the victims' lives. Everyone makes mistakes in life. No one person is perfect; some just make bigger mistakes than others. Just always keep in mind, Dan took responsibility for his actions.
I for one, along with countless others, commend him for that. Please remember that the years of Dan's life that now are being wasted are no less precious to his family and friends than those boys' lives are to their family and friends. Everyone was hurt by this unfortunate accident. I truly believe in my heart that Dan did not drift off the roadway and run those boys down as he tried to miss the boys, and they instinctively jumped the same direction to get out of the way.
Now only sorrow, guilt, pain and mourning are left for both sides. Hopefully, time and forgiveness will help mend what has happened to both sides, family and friends.
Sincerely,
Lisa French
Paradise