Dear Editor,
I am offended by The Johnson City Press’ totally unwarranted attack on the behavior of ETSU in regards to providing housing for refugees. They chose to treat a perfectly reasonable response to an impractical request as an opportunity for a cheap shot.
The article on Sept. 7 headlined “ETSU denies use of mini-dome.” Then your editorial on Sept. 8 demanded that ETSU “explain why you denied” ignored the fact that it had been explained: it isn’t empty. It is in constant use. Dr. Bishop told you that. You [the Press] – and the Red Cross – didn’t bother to check your facts before jumping on your self-righteous bandwagon.
It is especially reprehensible in light of the fact that a Red Cross representative in an interview on WJHL said it would “recommend homes and vacant apartments.” (WJHL web site) Notice she said “vacant” by their own standards the dome isn’t an option, so why make it an issue?
By the way, how many refugees is the Press offering to house in its building? Some of those editors would be quite comfortable. Maybe you could move the classifieds and your reporters in together and free up some space. That is, in effect, what you are castigating ETSU for NOT doing. How many?
At any rate, this sort of irresponsible, unfounded attack certainly does not inspire confidence in your reliability. Cancel my subscription – immediately.
I am also perturbed by the behavior of the director of the Red Cross in Kingsport. Why is she going to the Press about her negotiations with prospective volunteers? Is that even ethical? Do they plan to publicize everyone who turns them down?
Her actions make me wonder if, the next time I don’t give blood because their drive occurs when I’m in class, if there will be a headline, “Local teacher refuses to give blood.” I think maybe I’ll stop making donations to the Red Cross. There are other charities, and they don’t try to embarrass people.
The whole flap is really a non-issue, created for what I suspect are reasons having nothing to do with charity. It was mean, folks, unfair and hypocritical. Shame on you both. Since I will be very surprised if you print this. I am sending copies to three other newspapers.
Anne Koehler

Author