1946

National weather reports to the contrary, I am pleased to report we have had an incredibly fine winter in Hanover. After the winter storm of the century deposited about 36 inches of snow on us, we have enjoyed almost 30 straight crystal-clear days of pure sunshine. Very cold, but with the sun shining one can face most anything.

Speaking of facing things, while on a trip South early this winter I saw Herman Obermayer's name gracing the front page of the Miami Herald. As would be expected, Obe, in his long-held position as editor of the Northern Virginia Sun, has taken an interesting and most controversial stand on the subject of protecting the anonymity of rape victims. He wrote, "The fair administration of justice depends on all courtroom details being made subject to public scrutiny. Both victim and accused should be identified. Anything less results in uneven coverage. Good reporters seldom consciously color their.reports but the temptation to tinker with the facts increases when the boss establishes arbitrary coverage restrictions. Protecting the accuser's anonymity while fully identifying the accused, is tantamount to a pretrial presumption of guilt. Court reporting should be neutral and independent."

Obe concludes his well-written editorial: "Even when it hurts, news should be presented straight and unadulterated. Balanced trial coverage, where a life sentence may be at stake, must be weighed against embarrassing and emotionally scarring a witness. They don't weigh out evenly." Needless to say, he brought down the roof by taking this public position, but whether you agree with him or not, one must admit Obe certainly has the courage of his convictions. By the way, each year he publishes a book of his major editorials. If you are interested, I am sure he would put you on his distribution list (P.O. Box 149, Arlington, Va. 22210). They make interesting reading.

As the saying goes, when you need something done well - go to a busy man. Secreatry of the Treasury Michel Blumenthal did just that by appointing William H. Spoor, chairman of the board of Pillsbury, to the U.S. Industrial Payroll Savings Committee. Bill, who lives in Minneapolis, will also serve as geographic area chairman for Minnesota.

Word comes that Richard Tasso has been named executive vice president of Levitt Industries. The company is a large retailer of drugs, health, and beauty aids, and other convenience items. Dick moved out East from the Chicago area a few years ago and he and his wife Myrtle are now living in Norwell, Mass.

I saw recently in the Daily Dartmouth that Sanford Gottlieb returned to the College this winter to address a Silsby Hall audience on "The Future of Disarmament and Salt." My last word has it that Sanford is living in Kensington, Md., and has for a good number of years been interested in nuclear and disarmament policy.

Dr. William H. Birchard has been elected trustee of Mount Auburn Hospital in the Boston area. Bill recently left private practice to become associate director of medicine at Polaroid Corp. Polaroid's medical service, considered to be a highly advanced industrial medicine program, was founded by Bill and two other physicians over 20 years ago.

3 North Balch St. Hanover, N.H. 03755