I am writing to thank you for the poignant editorial published on Nov. 8, 2016, “Solitary death against backdrop of circus adds touch of perspective,” about the death that week in the Durango Dog Park of Brian Ackleson, who was homeless.
Although I had not seen him since we were children, Brian was my cousin, and sadly, I just learned of his death. Looking for an obituary, I stumbled upon your editorial, which states: “It is not judgmental, however, to say that one man’s death – local, individual, seemingly impersonal – nonetheless has a broader meaning. In its singularity it adds perspective to the spectacle that has unfolded across the nation in recent months and reminds us of our own humanity, however flawed we are or he may have been. Whatever his condition or station in life, at least in its finality, we all share his fate. And even without knowing him, it is safe to say that in all likelihood most of us had more in common with him than with many of those who have been occupying our televisions.”
Your editorial was a beautiful reminder that we are all human beings – especially considering the national “spectacle” that continues today.
Thank you for caring.
Julie Kniseley
Austin, Texas
