Unfair scrutiny of Buhach Colony staff

Re “Looking beyond baffling Buhach video” (Page B5, Nov. 22): In response to the Brigitte Bowers column and to the wide attention given to the controversial video filmed and aired at Buhach Colony High school several weeks ago, I feel compelled to comment on the negativity surrounding that same video. First of all, when reporting a story, responsibility to investigate all the facts should be the first and foremost duty of any media outlet. To do otherwise leads to half-truths, lies, innuendo and speculative slander, all of which have led to extremely unfair scrutiny of dedicated staff members at Buhach Colony High School.

It has been widely assumed that a “mass murder” took place in this video. Now, as responsible journalists, wouldn’t it be a wise idea to check to see if the video this bitter, attention-seeking young man aired is original, or does the chance exist that it was altered to sound like gunfire, as well as shortened to appear as if students were killed rather than “Thunderstruck” by the BCHS Thunder, and very much alive? And all this by an orange Nerf gun sending lightning bolts into the air high above the students heads.

I appreciate Ms. Bowers’ positive opinion of BCHS, as I too have had and still have my children attending Buhach Colony. This is an excellent school with dedicated, caring staff members, and to base an ugly controversy on the alteration of a fun, cheesy video designed to make students a little more spirited, by an irresponsible, revenge grabbing ex-student trying to make a name for himself, leaves me and many other people with a bad taste in my mouth. I expect more from our local media.

Thanks for support at SPCA luncheon

The Nov. 15 Merced No Kill SPCA luncheon at Los Panchos Restaurant was a wonderful success. Every penny goes toward care of our precious adoptable animals at the shelter. I would like to thank the owner and staff of Los Panchos Restaurant for their help and providing a delicious lunch. To all the wonderful people that attended, I want to give special thanks. Without your support I cannot imagine how we could continue to provide safe warm beds, food and medical treatment for the amazing sweet animals. To the volunteers that worked so tirelessly putting this luncheon together and aided in making it successful, the mere words of “Thank you” seem trite. You’re all wonderful and it just could not have happened without every one of you.

To the people of Merced reading this letter, please remember the adoption fee, $100-$120 for dogs and $70 for kitties, is to cover the money we’ve already paid out to have the animals spayed or neutered, all shots up-to-date, and a one-month pet insurance policy is also included in the fee.

From now till Christmas, adopting a kitty is only $50. Please come and look.

This story was originally published November 28, 2014 at 5:09 PM with the headline "Unfair scrutiny of Buhach Colony staff."