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UKIAH, CA -- Hopes that tempers
would cool this week faded when Mendocino County Sheriff James Tuso sent an emotional letter to local media, charging that recent Santa Rosa Press Democrat coverage was biased -- in favor of "Bear" Lincoln.
Tuso's complaint centered on an October 3 layout (pictured above) which the Sheriff complained was, "another chapter in this tragic miscarriage of justice...a sickening display of insensitivity on the part of the Press Democrat." The Sheriff objected to Lincoln's photograph appearing next to that of the widow of slain Deputy "Bob" Davis. Tuso wrote, "...Phyllis [Davis] broke her silence and agreed to an interview....not knowing that the Press Democrat would place an ex-felon, the person who caused the death of her husband, next to her smirking." Ironically, many Lincoln supporters also disliked the newspaper's presentation for different reasons, feeling that the picture of Davis -- gazing earnestly into the lens and standing in front of a shrine to her deceased husband -- was unfairly contrasted with a image of Lincoln, applauding and squinting in a shifty-eyed manner. Tuso continued by saying that "spin doctors turned this tragic event into their own personal and political agenda's" [sic] in a broad attack on unnamed critics. The Press Democrat has not printed Sheriff Tuso's letter, consistent with its apparent editorial decision to ignore all criticism of its reporting of the Lincoln trial. As of October 10, the newspaper has not presented a single letter concerning the trial or its aftermath. The Albion Monitor has presented two editorials critical of Press Democrat coverage, including its blackout of public response. Tuso's comments were denounced by experts contacted. "The man needs to have more respect for the jury system -- maybe he shouldn't be a sheriff," says John Wesley Hall, author of the standard reference book on criminal law ethics. "Obviously, the guy's not acting in a responsible manner." Hall adds that law enforcement officers often disagree with verdicts, but that is their duty to accept a jury's decision. "The guy should get a life and get on with it." Below is a copy of the press release exactly as it was e-mailed to public radio station KZYX. Some minor formatting has been added to reproduce the original layout.
NEWS RELEASE NEWS RELEASE NEWS RELEASE NEWS RELEASE
It appears that although law enforcement officers put their lives on the
line daily to protect their communities, there are those persons who
still think of our profession as less than honorable and desirable.
Law enforcement is expected to accept criticism, and we do so on a daily
basis. However, some people feel that we in law enforcement do not have
a right to voice concerns over sensitive issues or public safety
matters. For if the concerns we voice are not acceptable, or do not
meet their standards, they condemn us. They yell unfair. They scream
that the First Amendment has been violated. They do so without
consideration for the feelings of those they mark for condemnation. They
react as if theirs is the only way of seeing the issue.
After many, many months of not being able to discuss the death of Deputy
Sheriff "Bob" Davis, I am now compelled to respond to the October 3,
1997 news story in the Press Democrat relating to the interview with
Phyllis Davis. What I thought was going to be a venue by which Phyllis
could express her personal feelings about the death of her husband and
the subsequent events leading up to the jury verdict, just became
another chapter in this tragic miscarriage of justice....... a sickening
display of insensitivity on the part of the Press Democrat. A total
lack of compassion for a loving and caring person who has endured what
no person should.
After more than two years, Phyllis broke her silence and agreed to an
interview, truly believing that she could finally express her personal
feelings and thoughts about the tragic death of her husband, not knowing
that the Press Democrat would place an ex-felon, the person who caused
the death of her husband, next to her smirking. I
feel that the Press Democrat showed extreme insensitivity to Phyllis by
printing those photographs side by side. The one time that Phyllis
Davis thought she could express her thoughts and opinions, she
tragically discovered she was not allowed to have her story printed by
itself.
Phyllis and I, along with many other supporters, are now sharing the
same anger over the way the Press Democrat chose to report out her
feelings and thoughts. Words alone cannot express our contempt at the
person(s) responsible for this blatant abuse. One would think that
this interview would have been prepared with dignity and respect for
Phyllis after what she has been subjected to over the past two years.
Obviously, we were mistaken in our belief that her words, personal
thoughts and opinions would be respected and dignified in a private and
sincere article.
It has been over two years since Deputy Sheriff George Robert "Bob"
Davis was killed in the line of duty while serving as a proud and
courageous member of the Mendocino County Sheriff's Office. We have
honored and paid tribute to "Bob" for his distinguished service to the
men and women of the Sheriff's Office and to the people of Mendocino
County. For he was a good and honorable man, serving in a good and
honorable profession..... a profession that few have the courage to
choose as their own.
Surviving the devastation of "Bob's" death, Phyllis remains a proud
individual who greatly loved her husband. She supported him throughout
his career as proud and dedicated member of the U.S. Navy SEALS, and
continued that support upon his entry into his second career as a member
of the law enforcement profession. The "exceptional people" who claim
membership in the law enforcement family include more than those who pin
on a star or shield. For each person who takes up the cause of
upholding and enforcing the laws of this country, there is a wife or
other family member who keeps a prayer in his or her heart as that loved
one goes out each day, hoping that their loved one will return home
safely. Phyllis is one of those "exceptional people" who has suffered
deeply throughout this entire gut wrenching ordeal.
Throughout her marriage, Phyllis Davis was very sensitive to the
demand's of the law enforcement profession, sharing the same hurt,
concerns and compassion that "Bob" shouldered, whose efforts and
sacrifices allowed the people of Mendocino County to enjoy the many
benefits and privileges of living in this county. Phyllis has been very
sensitive to the demands and pressures placed upon her during the course
of this nightmarish ordeal. She, like many others, have found it
difficult to remain silent while the spin doctors turned this tragic
event into their own personal and political agenda's.
In spite of the host of negative influences that the Sheriff's Office
faces today, those of us in the law enforcement profession will bravely
and proudly carry on the work to which our honored colleague gave his
life for. Our thoughts and prayers will continue to be with Phyllis
Davis, Max and Ellen Keeler, Deputy Sheriff Dennis Miller, and the
family and friends of Deputy Sheriff "Bob" Davis.
"Bob" was my friend.
JAMES TUSO
MENDOCINO COUNTY SHERIFF'S OFFICE
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Albion Monitor October 10, 1997 (http://www.monitor.net/monitor)
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