Pubdate: Thu, 06 Sep 2001
Source: Kansas City Star (MO)
Copyright: 2001 The Kansas City Star
Contact:  http://www.kcstar.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/221
Author: Deborah R Kemp

OUTRAGEOUS MISTAKE

I was saddened to learn of the I-70 fatalities late last month, and I was 
outraged to learn of the "mistake" made in connection with the drug test of 
the tractor-trailer driver, John Kendrix.

Broadcasting Kendrix's picture and reminding viewers time and time again 
that he tested positive for illegal drugs was more like a conviction than a 
news report.

Now the technician who presumably reported inaccurate results is being 
shielded by a hospital disclaimer and a hospital chief executive who 
refuses to comment on this matter.

Consider the irreparable damage to Kendrix's reputation caused by all of 
this. Were these drug test results reported inaccurately because of human 
error or is the erroneous report indicative of a much larger problem in our 
society?

Media representations of blacks and other minorities are generally in the 
most negative light possible, and the headline conviction of John Kendrix 
was no different.

Deborah R. Kemp

Kansas City
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