Opinion: The Feeding Frenzy
The happenings on the News-Press forum surrounding Frank D’Allesandro’s disappearance should be condemned to the highest possible degree. The behavior on that forum surrounding this event was like a feeding frenzy.
We saw rumor, innuendo, speculation and outright character assassination of a person who so far has only been found guilty of having a successful business and a strong community spirit. Now unfortunately, FD cannot defend himself against any of the allegations that were charged there. Upon his death, his name was besmirched by classless pseudonymous forum rats with no knowledge of the events and no ability to control themselves.
I emailed David Plazas on Sunday, asking him about his actions in the forum. I asked if it marked a change in direction for the News-Press. He stated that he acted on his own volition to comment on the posters who were attacking.
Today, I can only commend his courage for doing so. I hope he recalls the same when next he is faced with someone’s character being attacked on that forum.
For Frank’s family, I can only offer my sincerest condolences. He was a valued member of our community. He worked hard, and gave back to the entire community through his volunteer efforts. May he rest in peace.
September 26th, 2007 at 6:15 pm
Didn’t see the NP forum or what was said about Frank, however his reputation in this county was earned over the past 20 or so years as those of us who lived here during that time so very well know. I admire your faith in people but at the same time find it quite naive at times.
September 27th, 2007 at 5:26 am
I don’t believe it is faith in others, or naivety. Instead I believe it is leadership. The only way to improve our lot in life is to demand the best of everyone around us. I believe the folks at the NP forum acted reprehensibly and they were not alone in their actions. My goal here was to ask people to think before acting.
I was also attempting to point out that jumping to conclusions about someone can cause real harm to friends and family members of someone who is missing. We should not have that repeat, ever. It is a poor reflection on our community as a whole.
Frank was a successful business man and a philanthropist in the community. At this point, very little else is important on the subject.