February 19, 2020 1233 PM
Dear Editor,
I am writing to express my deep concern and confusion regarding your paper’s coverage of the “Leach case.” I’ve been following the articles that you have been publishing and I can’t help but notice a blatant lack of impartiality. To the point where it seems that your organization has a vested interest in protecting Katy Milam. Almost as if you are participating in her defense. The background and character of Katy and the other “victims” – those whose affidavits have been used to bolster her defense – have gone entirely unexamined. Not to mention the relationships that these people have had with Jeff and with one another, their histories, possible motives to collude, etc. You have omitted all examples of the very positive contributions Jeff/Basecamp has made to local individuals and to the community at large over the years. His character has been assassinated and it seems very obvious that this was your intention; examples of his “bad behavior” are given with no context, heresy and lies are endorsed as facts. Upon reading your constant stream of coverage, one can only conclude that Jeff Leach is a monster who was on trial for assault and rape, a danger to the community. One will also conclude, based on your coverage, that the dismissal of the case proves that Katy didn’t lie, that this whole thing is resolved, that all accusations against Jeff are proven true. I can’t help but get the distinct impression that The Sentinel is on “Team Katy” and that your great interest in this issue is not without prejudice. This whole thing has gotten out of hand, an entire community has been divided based on hatred and lies, and your paper been the primary agent. Shame on you for using your position of influence in such an unethical, misleading, and downright malicious way.
Morgan Ellis
Terlingua
Dear Editor,
In one of last week’s articles, Jeff Leach was referred to as “a prominent Terlingua man and founder of Basecamp Terlingua.” There is nothing “prominent” about a person who has been accused by at least five women for a variety of offenses ranging from threats to rape. Better yet, the real “prominent” people of Terlingua are the five women who have shown the courage to report their truth.
Julia West
Presidio
Dear Editor,
A few comments concerning your 2/13/20 issue:
- Did Barry Zavah watch the same “State of the Union” on 2/4/20 that I watched, the one with no mention of impeachment by Trump?
- Congrats to David Beebe and wife Hilary!
- Jackie Boberg is correct to be concerned about rich political donors. One logical solution is to drop ALL restrictions on donations but ONE: Citizens can give ONLY to races / issues in the state which they legally reside. Should be a bipartisan “no-brainer” deal Congress could agree on. And, maybe our reps could address.
- The U.S. Post Office lost almost 9 billion in 2019, the equivalent of almost 17 billion (pure profit) 1st class stamps. Is anyone concerned?
Sincerely,
Steve Seegers, MD
Marfa
Dear Editor,
If Mimi Swartz was attempting to paint an unflattering portrait of Tim Crowley, it worked. Other than that it appears to be an uninformed, highly inaccurate, pointless and rambling attempt to create conflict in the community and present Marfa in a bad light. Regardless, Tim Crowley likely saved this town that was dying right before our eyes and turned it into a pretty cool place. Thanks, Tim.
Cleat and Cami Stephens
Marfa & Fort Davis
