BeaconMediaNews.com
JUNE 28, 2012 - JULY 4, 2012
3
Letters to the Editor M E D I A ,
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Send your letters to tmiller@beaconmedianews.com Dear Editor: I thought I would share the email below... Do you have any idea of how irresponsible the “Spicer” column was in your Volume XVII, No XXV? You practically coached batterers; that if they get their abused wife to recant and defend their abuser, that’s all it takes to get away with the criminal act of Domestic Violence. It’s up to the Police department and the District Attorney’s office to determine if Spicer committed the crime, not stories about “Fishing” and “House-sitting”. Until the victim finds some help and strength to speak up; when Domestic Violence is prevalent; it is
“text book” for the victim to initially protect their abusers, as you reported Delphine Spicer stated stories to be “twisted and exaggerated”. You reported that she was upset her name was used; but the entire “High pressure hose” issue was not only admitted to have happened; but when Spicer admits he “apologized to my wife. I remember I had to pay for a new hairdo as well.” That is pathetic; it is called the “Cycle of Abuse”! Your message is that if a man, (Council member or not), batters his wife; as long as he apologizes for it and gets her a new hairdo, that makes up for the criminal act of Domestic Violence.
The California Domestic Violence Prevention Act defines it “illegal” to not report abuse; why was that not in your story? You did such an injustice to victims of Domestic Violence that might have had a chance to use this article as encouragement to reach out; you did not even include a Domestic Violence disclaimer or an outreach to the readers if they felt abused! For the future it’s as simple as including: http:// familypeaceinc.org/domesticviolence.html Disgusted and ashamed to be a Monrovia Weekly reader, Diana Bey P.S. And you can use my name...
Ms. Bey – As they say in the legal business, “Objection, assumes facts not in evidence.” You have made two assumptions in your letter to the editor of this paper. First, you assume that Delphine Spicer was the victim of domestic abuse. No evidence to support that assumption has been presented. Delphine Spicer denies it. Larry Spicer denies it. You wrote that she “recanted.” This is not true. She never claimed she was abused. The one incident that Michael Vallejo called domestic violence was witnessed by those involved: Spicer, his wife and their very young child (please recall, this incident of alleged abuse occurred approximately 10 years ago). The only independent witness was their neighbor, Mrs. Mercedes Duarte. Mrs. Duarte told me that what she witnessed was horseplay with a garden hose. She said that she did not think that it was appropriate behavior, i.e. that Spicer should not have sprayed his wife with the hose. I specifically asked her if she thought that this was “abuse” or “violence.” She told me they were just fooling around, but that she did not think it was right. She also told me that she “gave Larry what for. I told him that was no way to treat his wife.” Ms. Bey, there is a great deal of difference between horseplay that gets out of hand and abuse. I
know. That brings me to your second assumption, that this newspaper does not take domestic violence seriously. Domestic Violence is a serious criminal offence. It is of great concern to this newspaper and especially to me. You see, I was beaten by a man to whom I was engaged. I want to be very clear about this: The man to whom I am now married is not the man who beat me. I was engaged to another man about 24 years ago. When I realized there were aspects of his character I could not live with (specifically his temper), I decided to end the relationship. He objected and struck me repeatedly with his fists and with a cane. He also kicked me. I was eventually able to get him out of my apartment. I made sure that he was never able to do that again. I took the steps necessary to ensure my safety. I encourage every victim of violence to do the same. There is no reason to stay in an abusive relationship. Which brings me back to your first assumption, that Delphine Spicer is a victim of domestic violence. Did you watch Mrs. Spicer address the city council? If not, I suggest you view the video tape of the June 19 City Council Meeting. It is available at KGEM’s website: http:// kgem.tv/category/monrovia/archive-mon/ She is not a shy woman, fearful of her abusive
husband, afraid to speak against him or defy him. Exterior Painting and Stucco She is not a love sick “TamStarting at $999 my Wynette” standing by her man. In contrast she is - Will Beat Any Price! an intelligent, well-educat- Senior Discount ed career woman who is - 20 Yrs. Experience not afraid to speak out for American Home Windows & Doors herself. She is not some Lic# 804843 downtrodden woman 9235 Lakewood Blvd. afraid to speak out against Downey, CA 90240 Call for FREE ESTIMATE her husband for fear of the (562) 464-8991 consequences to herself or her children. She is the partner who works outside the home. Larry Spicer is the primary caretaker for Lifetime Warranty their young child. Thermal Efficient Ms. Bey, I have spoDouble Pane Glass ken with Delphine Spicer, Senior Discount with Larry Spicer and with 20 Yrs. Experience their neighbor. I listened to her address the council. American Home Windows & Doors I reported on the facts that Lic# 804843 Showroom Hrs. 9 am to 6 pm Mon. - Sat. they provided. 9235 Lakewood Blvd. Call for FREE ESTIMATE Several people have (562) 464-8991 Downey, CA 90240 told me that they believe that Spicer has abused his ADVERTISING APPROVAL wife. They have given me International Camera Repair SIGNATURE REQUIRED no facts to back up. ________________________ 4/7/11, 4/14/11, 4/21/11, RUNthis DATE(S): They have not given me ________________________ APPROVED AS IS 4/28/11, 5/5/11, 5/12/11 a single incident to investi2 4 2 ________ x ________ = ________ APPROVED WITH CHANGES NOTED ABO gate except theAD oneSIZE: noted We repair justINCHES about any digital, slr, NEED pointTOand # OF COLUMNS # OFcan INCHES TOTAL I DO NOT SEE A FINAL PROO above. If you are aware 4 FLAT $45.00 shoot or video cameras both professional and amateur. ________ ________ ________ @ COST: = of anything, what is it? I CHANGES REQUIRED TOTAL INCHES RATE I WILL NEED TO SEE A FINAL PROOF am willing to look into any N/A COLOR CHARGE: ________ specific incident. We also can provide you with ______________________ ____ $45.00 Telling me “it is well TOTAL PER WEEK: ________ ADVERTISER DATE Passport Photos known” or “people have $270.00 TOTAL BALANCE: ________ told me” is not a fact. It is For your Summer Vacation Plans gossip. We have received phone calls to that effect. Pay us a visit anytime People have stopped me We Know Cameras, we love to repeat these allegations, Cameras and we love talking but no one has been able shop about camera…See why to give me any facts and the Pros come to us First! no one has been willing to We do it right – the First Time speak on the record. I report facts presented to me, not gossip. 1186 East Walnut Street, Pasadena Your letter is being (626) 440-0699
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