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Why the tabloid headline?

Is The Spokesman to become the Enquirer of the Inland Empire? I was surprised and shocked by the huge black and red headline of Aug. 25 (“Is the taxman cyberstalking you? Yes”), which startled me and caused me grave concern. This type of headline could fan the flames of anger in misguided or deranged people who start riots or harm people. The incidents at Stimson Hall at WSU recently demonstrate the issue and problem. This headline gave the impression that something was to be revealed that would startle and surprise me. Not so.

After 9/11, more power to mine data and follow the lives of all citizens was authorized by Congress in order to catch terrorists. I do not believe this is startling news deserving of a type of headline usually reserved for declaring war or perhaps announcing that our U.S. Navy ships have been rammed by cargo ships and sailors have died.

Zona Gail Spaeth

Spokane

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