I fully support The Citizen's publication of the picture of a gunned down criminal for one main reason. The picture is a graphic reminder to all young people who see criminal activity as glamorous, that this is how they might end - dead at a young age.
As former teachers, both my wife and I have met too many youths who think being a criminal is something admirable. This photo serves the public good by giving these deluded youths a much-needed dose of reality.
If it deters even one young person from turning in this direction, the photo will have served its purpose.
I am fully aware that the victim is a relative to people who care about him as an individual and fully empathize with their feelings. Relatives are relatives no matter what.
However, these hurt feelings are not the only things to consider. Because of the victim's past, the public good must also be taken into account.
The public good - deterring deluded youths from following in the victim's footsteps - is at least as important as any injured feelings. Indeed, these grieving relatives are among the victims this young man left behind.
I cannot help feeling sad for all involved, but the publication of the photo was the only way to try and make some good out of a tragic situation.
Ian Kluge
Prince George
