Column was inappropriate, rude

I have to concern with Mr. Blakey in regards to your comments about Mr. Mortensen.

A local paper is, like it or not, a critical part of the fabric that makes us a community. We, the members of that community, must trust in the quality and integrity of the news reported within its pages.

I understand the attempt to make the "community news" column have a "homey" "personal" feel, however, in this case you missed the mark.

Your comments about Mr. Mortensen were sophomoric and rude. Instead of welcoming a new member of our community to a valuable event, your comments cheapened the premise of the swim and certainly gave pause to others considering participation.

It is important to remember that the Daily Bee represents us as a community. In this particular situation, you have let us down. No one, rich or famous, poor or unknown, and yes, middle class and average, would want themselves described publicly as you did Mr. Mortensen.

I encourage you to extend a public, personal apology to him and to your readers.

At times, the Daily Bee has displayed quality journalism that was respectful, sensitive and, above all, human. It certainly is my expectation that everyone of whom you write, whether humorously or otherwise deserves dignity and respect. The Bee is not a national publication and thus must meet a higher standard. We, as a community, expect and deserve that much.

TRICIA MacINNES

Sandpoint