Our view

Reporting on tragedy

Three died and near 150 were wound when two bombs exploded during yesterday’s running of the Boston Marathon.

With the investigation ongoing at the time of this writing, we cannot comment on the motive. President Barack Obama was justly careful on Monday when addressing the tragedy, not assigning the highly charged “terrorism” label. Other mass killings have been the work of lone mad men with no relation to terrorist organizations here or overseas.

At this point, we do not know details of those responsible. However despicable, though, we understand the actions of terror organizations are distinct from those of the lone madman. The attacks of 9-11 represented an act of “war” by an extra-national organization, spurred by perceived political, cultural and religious differences.

Misguided and evil, yes, but hardly comparable to the actions of the Aurora movie theater shooter.

News organizations, whether in print or broadcast, have come under fire in the past for “glorifying” the action of crazed mass killers. Plastering their names all over the headlines invites copycat action, the argument goes—and there is some merit to this assertion. The 24-7 news cycle creates the sort of continuous coverage any lunatic would crave.

At the same time, however, consumers of news desire information on any such incident. Besides, reporters are obligated to inform the public of incidents, good or bad.

Should the hideous act in Boston prove to be the work of a deranged individual, we believe news organizations should strive to avoid pronouncing the architect’s name too loudly, while still reporting completely and accurately.

In the meantime, we join all of Sidney and the surrounding area in grieving for the victims, their families and friends. And we acknowledge, with pride, the response of Boston’s police, ambulance crews, fire departments, hospital personnel and even regular individuals.