EAST MONTPELIER – In my recent post (since amended) about the deaths of Lucas and Tammy Menard, I was guilty of the very thing I have accused state officials of doing: Treating real people as symbols or statistics or props. My post caused further distress to the people who knew the Menards. And I apologize for that.
I ventured beyond my knowledge in depicting their situation, which was terribly unfair to them, their family and friends. I painted them as hopeless poster children when, according to Lucas’ sister, they had agency, they had help from those closest to them. They addressed their situation with intelligence and grace, and handled it far better than I could possibly imagine myself if I were in their situation.
The sister’s account can be found in the Comments section under the post originally entitled “How Many More Menards?” (Hell, the title itself reflects my thoughtless presentation of Lucas and Tammy as props for my argument.) I won’t quote the comment here; I’ll leave her words in the way she expressed them.
I should have known better. The people I’ve met who are struggling to find security in this world are not victims; they are smart, resourceful, and enterprising. They have their challenges, but they do their level best to adapt and rise above.
I write about political issues from a 30,000-foot perch, which has its advantages but risks losing sight of the real people in the crowd. That’s what I did in this case, and again, I apologize.
John Walters is the sole author of The Vermont Political Observer, readable for free (but donations cheerfully accepted) at thevpo.org. Walters has had a long career in print and broadcast journalism. He’s been an observer of Vermont politics since 2011, including a three-year stint as political columnist for Seven Days. He is on the board of NEK Public Journalism. He lives in East Montpelier with his loyal spouse, two house rabbits and two cockatiels.