October 4, 2009

Journalist Bashes Person With a Disability


In the opening paragraph a Denver Post journalist says, "Rick Glen Strandlof, a former mental patient [. . .] is being prosecuted under the Stolen Valor Act for making claims he received a Purple Heart."

She adds, "In interviews with the FBI and local and national media outlets, Strandlof admitted making up the stories. He said he suffered from mental illness. He had previously been hospitalized in a mental institution in Nevada."

There are several outrages here. Why the emphasis (first paragraph) on being a "former mental patient?" Does that make him a desirable person for young women seeking marriage material? Why report this "fact" except to discredit the suspect? Why don't journalists report when suspects have a history of rashes or broken legs?

Is the suspect the source for his mental illness and hospitalization? If so why is he believed if having a history of mental illness is used to discredit him? What is the rational connection (not emotional or prejudicial) between a history of mental illness and crime or lying? What is the rational connection between being hospitalized in a mental institution and crime or lying? There is none.

If the FBI is the source of the hospitalization and history of mental illness what is their purpose of revealing this protected by privacy laws (US HIPAA laws) information? The FBI has a history of exploiting persons with disabilities and then denying them access to the courts to vindicate their rights.

Why do journalists join politicians, police and the FBI bashing persons with disabilities? Why do journalists remain indifferent to denial of civil and Constitutional Rights of persons with disabilities by police, courts, psychiatrists and FBI agents? What is the source of the pervasive prejudice against persons with disabilities among journalists?

http://www.denverpost.com/ci_13475253#

Phony Marine due for arrest
Coloradan who posed as wounded Iraq veteran being prosecuted under Stolen Valor Act
By Nancy Lofholm
The Denver Post
October 3, 2009

Nancy Lofholm: 970-256-1957 or nlofholm@denverpost.com

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