The sex-crazed press

I was shocked by what The Chicago Tribune did to Jack Ryan. The Republican candidate to be United States senator from Illinois was forced to withdraw when Tribune reporters persuaded a judge to unseal records of a child custody proceeding which showed that his wife had accused him of taking her to sex clubs and trying to persuade her to engage in sexual activities with other patrons watching.

People make all sorts of accusations in custody and divorce proceedings--often goaded by Iago-like lawyers who whisper in their ear "you've got to say something"--that they later regret as untrue, exaggerated or not nearly as outrageous as had been presented to the court. Indeed, the former Mrs. Ryan herself wanted the records kept sealed. Then what right did the judge have to release them? After all, this wasn't the kind of sealed record that protects corporations that are hiding injuries or deaths caused by unsafe practices. It was a private matter. And what business did the Tribune have prying into a private matter?

COPYRIGHT 2004 Washington Monthly Company
COPYRIGHT 2004 Gale Group